Lamb Mushroom Loaf

Ox knows several people who enjoy lamb, so she’s always on the lookout for a lamb dish that sounds good that she can surprise them with – something tasty that they have probably never tried, if possible. And if it happens to be something she can prepare in advance, all the better – and this recipe has a good chance on delivering on both fronts.

Lamb Mushroom Loaf

Serves 8

8 ounces fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, cut up
2 cloves of garlic, quartered, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg, beaten
1.4 cup milk
¼ cup couscous
2 tablespoons finely snipped fresh basil, or 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil, crushed.
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 pounds lean ground lamb (or beef)
sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)

In a blender container or food processor bowl, blend or process the 8 ounces of mushrooms, the onion, and the garlic until very finely chopped.

In a bowl, stir together the egg, the mushroom mixture, milk, uncooked couscous, basil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add ground lamb. Mix well. Shape the meat into one large loaf, or into 8 individual loaves.

TO FREEZE: Wrap loaf or loaves in heavy duty aluminum foil. Seal, label, and freeze up to 4 months.

TO THAW: A day before serving, place frozen loaf on a plate in the refrigerator. Let stand in refrigerator overnight to thaw. Remove foil before baking.

Place loaf (or loaves) in a shallow baking pan. If desired, press additional sliced mushrooms into the top of the meat.

Bake in 350 degree F oven for 45 to 50 minutes for large loaf, 30 to 40 minutes for individual loaves.

Source: What’s for Dinner? From Better Homes and Gardens Books, Inc. © 1995

Notes from the Hare

If you have a loaf or bread pan, you can use hat to shape the meat into a loaf. Or you can freehand it, which is what Ox and I tend to do.

As a serving suggestion, you can get some mushroom sauce from the store to serve with the meat. Prepare the sauce, then spoon it over slices of the loaf on toasted French bread. Add a couple of vegetables and the meal is complete.

Don’t like powdered mushroom sauce? Stop in tomorrow – we’ve got you covered.