The first time my friend invited me over for dinner and presented her herby lamb cobbler, I was completely captivated. The rich, comforting aroma wafting from the kitchen promised a feast that was anything but ordinary. As I took my first bite, the tender lamb danced gracefully with smoky notes of bacon and a medley of herbs, while the golden, fluffy topping beckoned like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
This dish quickly became a staple in my home, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in when craving something hearty and satisfying. Not only is this herby lamb cobbler a showstopper, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones rather than fussing in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, ignite your passion for home-cooked meals, and let’s create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why is herby lamb cobbler a must-try?
Comforting flavors: The tender lamb and crispy bacon create a deliciously satisfying base.
Effortless preparation: With simple cooking techniques, you’ll be serving this hearty meal in no time.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Versatile dish: Customize with seasonal veggies for a unique twist, just like in my favorite vegetable variations.
Golden topping: The fluffy, herb-infused cobbler crust crowns the dish, adding texture and flavor that’s simply irresistible!
Herby Lamb Cobbler Ingredients
• Get ready to savor every bite!
For the Filling
- Sunflower oil – a light oil perfect for sautéing and enhancing flavors.
- Smoked streaky bacon – adds a deliciously smoky richness; opt for a single piece for better texture.
- Lamb neck fillets – tender cuts that become incredibly flavorful after braising.
- Baby onions – their sweetness intensifies during cooking, creating a lovely depth of flavor.
- Carrots – chunky pieces add sweetness and color to your herby lamb cobbler.
- Small button mushrooms – offer an earthy quality that complements the other ingredients.
- Plain flour – helps thicken the filling beautifully and creates a rich sauce.
- Bay leaves – infuse a subtle herbal aroma; don’t forget to remove them before serving!
- Thyme – fresh thyme enhances the overall earthiness of the dish.
- Red wine – a splash helps tenderize the meat and adds a robust layer of flavor.
- Lamb or beef stock – essential for a deep, savory broth.
- Worcestershire sauce – a tangy boost that elevates the meaty goodness.
For the Topping
- Self-raising flour – gives your cobbler a light and fluffy texture; key to that heavenly topping!
- Chopped mixed herbs – a flavorful blend brings out the best in the cobbler.
- Chilled butter – ensures a flaky crown; keep it cold for the perfect pastry.
- Juice of 1 lemon – brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the dish.
- Beaten egg – for glazing, creating a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Let’s dive into preparing this heartwarming herby lamb cobbler that your family will crave, time and time again!
How to Make Herby Lamb Cobbler
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C/gas 4) while you prepare the dish. This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your herby lamb cobbler.
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Sizzle bacon: In a flameproof casserole, heat the sunflower oil and add the chopped bacon. Cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes crisp and golden, infusing the oil with a delightful smoky flavor.
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Brown the lamb: Increase the heat and add the lamb neck fillets to the casserole. Sear for approximately 10 minutes until the meat is browned all over, then remove both the bacon and lamb using a slotted spoon.
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Cook veggies: Turn the heat up to maximum and add the baby onions, carrots, and mushrooms to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re starting to color and soften.
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Thicken sauce: Stir in the plain flour, combining well with the veggies. Return the bacon and lamb to the pan and sprinkle in the bay leaves and thyme, ensuring everything is nicely mixed.
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Add liquids: Pour in the red wine, lamb or beef stock, and a generous splash of Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and transfer to the oven. Braise undisturbed for about 1 hour 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prepare topping: After letting the filling cozy up in the oven for about an hour, grab a large bowl. Combine the self-raising flour and chopped mixed herbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cut in the chilled butter using a fork until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
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Form dough: Make a well in the middle and add the lemon juice along with 3 tablespoons of water. Gently mix until a soft dough forms, then roll it out to about 1.5 cm thick on a lightly floured surface.
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Cut rounds: Use a 7.5 cm pastry cutter to cut out rounds from the dough. Re-roll the trimmings and cut out more rounds until you’ve used up all your dough.
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Assemble cobbler: After the filling has braised for 1 hour 20 minutes, remove the casserole, take off the lid, and arrange the rounds of dough overlapping around the edge of the dish. Tuck a few bay leaves between the dough rounds for added flavor.
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Glaze and bake: Brush the tops of the dough rounds with beaten egg and pop the casserole back into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and fluffy.
Optional: Serve with a side of steamed greens for a complete meal!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Herby Lamb Cobbler
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to retain flavors.
Freezer: Allow the herby lamb cobbler to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 180°C (fan 160°C/gas 4) until piping hot. This helps maintain the delicious texture of the cobbler.
Leftover Filling: If you have extra filling, store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for future use, perfect for a quick meal!
Herby Lamb Cobbler Variations
Feel free to personalize this delightful herby lamb cobbler with these fun and flavorful twists!
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Vegetable Medley: Replace lamb with a mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes for a hearty veggie version. A delightful way to enjoy all the goodness without meat!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a warm, spicy surprise that’ll energize your taste buds. Your friends will love this extra kick!
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Gluten-Free Bliss: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend; just make sure it contains a rising agent for that fluffy topping. Everyone can enjoy a slice without worry!
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Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the dough rounds before baking. This will create a beautifully crisp texture, and who doesn’t love a bit of crunch?
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like dill or basil instead of mixed herbs. Each herb adds its unique flavor, transforming the dish into a new experience with every twist.
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Creamy Comfort: For a luscious filling, stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche just before covering with the pastry. This extra richness will turn your cobbler into a truly decadent dish!
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Cheesy Surprise: Add grated cheese, like cheddar or feta, into your topping dough. This cheesy addition will create a savory, comforting element that will have family and friends reaching for more.
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Citrusy Zing: A zest of orange or lime added to the filling will brighten the flavors, creating a refreshing contrast to the rich lamb and bacon. This unexpected touch is sure to delight!
Make Ahead Options
These herby lamb cobbler preparations are perfect for busy weeknights or when hosting friends! You can prep the filling up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the bacon and lamb as instructed, then stir in the vegetables and sauce before letting it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge; this helps maintain quality and flavor. The dough for the topping can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply assemble the cobbler, brush with egg, and bake. This way, you’ll enjoy a hearty, homemade meal with minimal fuss, just as delicious as when freshly made!
Expert Tips for Herby Lamb Cobbler
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Quality Ingredients: Use good quality lamb and bacon for enhanced flavor and texture. Fresh herbs will elevate the herby lamb cobbler, adding aromatic depth.
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Preheating Matters: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. This crucial step allows the cobbler to rise beautifully and develop that golden crust.
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Browning is Key: Don’t skip browning the lamb and bacon; it enhances the dish’s overall flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating a rich base for your herby lamb cobbler.
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Don’t Rush Braising: Let the filling braise undisturbed for the entire time. This patience allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a richer and deeper taste.
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Dough Consistency: Don’t overwork the topping dough; mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cobbler.
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Watch the Glaze: Brush the dough rounds with egg for a scrumptious golden finish. This small step makes a big difference in presentation, inviting everyone to dig in!
What to Serve With Herby Lamb Cobbler?
Enhance your family meal with delightful pairings that complement the rich, comforting flavors of this dish.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery, fluffy potatoes soak up the rich sauce, adding an irresistible richness to your plate.
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Garlic Green Beans: The crunch of fresh green beans cooked with garlic offers a vibrant contrast to the hearty cobbler. Their bright flavor lightens the meal beautifully.
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Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and beets caramelized with olive oil provide sweetness and a rainbow of colors to your table.
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Buttery Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory lamb, making every bite delectable. It’s a comforting classic that everyone loves!
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Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous tossed with fresh herbs creates a lovely textural contrast while allowing the flavors of the cobbler to shine.
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Rich Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of the lamb and bacon, enhancing your dining experience.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate beautifully after the hearty cobbler. Its zingy flavor adds a delightful end to your meal!
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Crunchy Garden Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cobbler, ensuring balance and brightness on your plate.
Each of these delightful pairings brings something special to your dining table, making your herby lamb cobbler a meal to remember.
Herby Lamb Cobbler Recipe FAQs
What type of lamb is best for herby lamb cobbler?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using lamb neck fillets. They become incredibly tender during the braising process and absorb the rich flavors beautifully. If you can’t find neck fillets, shoulder or shank can also be great alternatives.
How should I store leftover herby lamb cobbler?
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the cobbler’s texture.
Can I freeze herby lamb cobbler?
Absolutely! Once the herby lamb cobbler has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw and then reheat slowly in the oven until hot.
What should I do if the cobbler topping is too dense?
If your cobbler topping turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. Be sure to mix the ingredients just until combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture. If you find it dense after baking, consider adjusting the baking powder in the self-raising flour or ensuring your butter is adequately chilled before mixing.
Can I make substitutions for dietary restrictions?
Certainly! For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of self-raising flour and adjust the baking powder accordingly. If you’re avoiding red wine, consider using grape juice or just additional stock for a flavorful braising liquid. Always be mindful of any specific allergies, particularly with the bacon and herbs.
What kind of side dishes go well with herby lamb cobbler?
The more the merrier! Serving herby lamb cobbler with side dishes like steamed greens, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complements the rich flavors perfectly. A light, citrusy salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
Herby Lamb Cobbler: Comfort Food Your Family Will Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 180°C (fan 160°C/gas 4).
- Heat sunflower oil in a flameproof casserole and add chopped bacon. Cook for about 5 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Increase heat and add lamb neck fillets, searing for approximately 10 minutes until browned. Then remove bacon and lamb.
- Add baby onions, carrots, and mushrooms to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to color and soften.
- Stir in plain flour, combine well with veggies, and return bacon and lamb. Sprinkle in bay leaves and thyme, mixing everything nicely.
- Pour in red wine, stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, cover and transfer to oven. Braise for 1 hour 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine self-raising flour and mixed herbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cut in chilled butter until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Make a well in the middle and add lemon juice along with 3 tablespoons of water. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about 1.5 cm thick and use a pastry cutter to cut out rounds. Re-roll trimmings to cut out more rounds.
- After braising filling for 1 hour 20 minutes, remove casserole, take off lid, and arrange rounds of dough around the edge.
- Brush tops of dough rounds with beaten egg and return casserole to the oven. Bake for 45 minutes until topping is golden brown and fluffy.