Sunday 20 June 2010

Oman: Pit roast lamb

Pit roast lamb instructionsSeveral months ago, I promised to post  instructions for pit roast lamb (see label below). After a bit of a prod from (Mr?) Boxter and despite the fact I’m working my way through Mrs M’s list of ‘things to do before the packers arrive on Tuesday’ list, I found a couple of hours this morning to prepare instructions.

Have a go, you won’t be disappointed. After six hours on a deserted beach, the smell of garlic, rosemary and lamb when you open the final layer of foil will stay with you forever. Also works well with a Christmas turkey or just about any other meat or fish.


You will need:

A beach
Wood
Large flat rock or small stones to line pit (optional)
Small bag barbecue coals
Garden or oven gloves
Firelighters
Matches
Spade
Lots of time

Wide tin foil (not the nasty cheap stuff)
Leg/shoulder of lamb (also not the nasty cheap stuff – Carrefour NZ lamb is best in Oman)
Olive oil
100 gram stick of butter (or maybe a bit more)
2 whole heads of garlic (crush the head but don’t peel the bulbs)
3 or 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary (crush leaves with heavy object)
Salt and pepper

If you've tried this method, let's us know how you got on.  

9 comments:

Omani Princess (not Omani LOL) said...

traditional Omani 'shua' is cooked like this, but wrapped in banana leaves or grape leaves ect, instead of tinfoil, and the spices are different. A whole goat or lamb? Cooking time---overnight. Yummy Eid dish:D

Mr. Steve said...

We had planned to use banana leaves on Fins beach a few years ago from a nearby plantation. When we got there, the trees were dead as the plantation had been abandoned. The foil method was developed from the Omani concept.

I was given a big palm leaf bag a few years, but never got the chance to use it. A bit over the top for one joint of meat.

Omani Princess (not Omani LOL) said...

LOL invite me for your going away dinner;)??? I love this dish.

boxster said...

AMAZING !!!

The best going away gift you could give to those of us staying behind ;)

Mr. Steve said...

A pleasure Boxster - just promise me you'll try it.

Mr. Steve said...

OP - we are without cooking equiment, have no eating utensils and are living off scraps in the cupboard. I could rustle up something with some old pasta, a tin of mackeral fillets, half a tin of chickpeas, some Californian prunes and a crusty bottle of Tabasco sauce? Still intested?

Omani Princess (not Omani LOL) said...

LOL, maybe we should treat you? Are you still here on Thurs/fri? Trip to Jebel Shams-ish for traditional Omani dinner cooked by nice Omani family LOL?

Mr. Steve said...

OP - لا أعرف ماذا أقول.

Sadly, Thursday is our last day in Oman. We are spending it with friends at the Chedi and we fly on Friday. Perhaps you could post a photo of your family meal on your blog?...it will remind me of the generosity and kindness we have been shown in the last few years.

ستيف

Omani Princess (not Omani LOL) said...

Afwan dear, thank you for your blog and lovely cartoons. and for sharing the recipe for other readers.