Fleurieu Roast

Introduction

The Fleurieu Roast is a captivating dish hailing from the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich agricultural heritage. This dish combines the best of the region's produce, typically featuring lamb as the centerpiece, complemented by an array of local vegetables and aromatic herbs. The tradition of roasting cuts of meat with seasonal vegetables dates back to early settlers who embraced the bountiful resources of the land, shaping a culinary legacy cherished to this day.

Ingredients

• Lamb shoulder (about 1.5 kg)
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 potatoes, quartered
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, halved
• 2 bunches of asparagus
• 1 cup of red wine (optional)
• 2 cups of beef broth

Preparation

Step 1: Prepping the Lamb

Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C. With a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the lamb shoulder. Insert slices of garlic into these incisions, which will infuse the lamb with a delightful aroma as it roasts.

Step 2: Seasoning

Drizzle the lamb with olive oil and rub it thoroughly with salt and black pepper. Add a few sprigs of rosemary on top, pressing them gently onto the meat to release their oils.

Step 3: Vegetables

Arrange the potatoes, carrots, and onion around the lamb in the roasting pan. Pour in the red wine and beef broth over the vegetables. Cover the pan with foil.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Roasting

Place the roasting pan in the oven and let the lamb roast for approximately 3 hours. Use a cooking timer to ensure precision. Baste the meat occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist.

Step 2: Adding Asparagus

About 20 minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove the foil and add the asparagus around the lamb. This will allow the asparagus to cook in the remaining juices and achieve a tender-crisp texture.

Step 3: Resting

Once cooked, remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more succulent roast.

How to Enjoy

Carve the lamb into generous slices and serve with the roasted vegetables and asparagus. Pair it with a full-bodied local red wine to enhance the flavors of the dish. Enjoy this meal with family or friends, relishing the taste of South Australia's rich culinary heritage.

This classic Fleurieu Roast, with its tender lamb and flavorsome vegetables, captures the essence of home-cooked comforts while celebrating locally sourced ingredients.