Lumpy rumpy

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A dinner plate with dry brined lamb rump and three sprigs of rosemary from my garden

I spotted a lump of lamb rump in the supermarket and thought it would make a good option for tonight before I watch the footy. One of my favourite players is featuring tonight. He’s an Indigenous All Star.

Cooking and Eating Lamb Rump Roast

Lamb rump on a dinner plate with a sprig of rosemary after being carved and served on the plate

Anatomy of a Lamb and Origin of Lamb Rump Roast

A lamb, a young sheep less than a year old, consists of various cuts, each with its distinct flavour and texture. The lamb rump roast is derived from the upper part of the hind leg, near the lamb’s hip. This cut is known for its tenderness and rich taste, making it a favourite among lamb enthusiasts. I don’t know that I can call myself a lamb enthusiast.

International Names for Lamb Rump Roast

In different countries, the lamb rump roast might be referred to by various names:

  • United States: Lamb sirloin or lamb hip
  • United Kingdom: Lamb chump or lamb leg steaks
  • France: Rumsteak d’agneau
  • Italy: Lombata di agnello

Best Ways to Cook Lamb Rump Roast

Lamb rump roast can be prepared using various cooking methods to enhance its flavour and tenderness:

  • Roasting: Slow roasting at a low temperature ensures the meat remains juicy and tender. Garlic, rosemary, and olive oil make for an aromatic experience if you eat those things.
  • Grilling: Marinating the lamb beforehand and grilling it over medium heat brings out its natural juices and imparts a smoky flavour. In my opinion, a marinade is optional.
  • Pan-Seared: A quick sear in a hot pan, followed by finishing in the oven, results in a perfectly cooked roast with a crispy exterior.
  • Sous vide: This technique involves cooking the lamb in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath at a precise temperature, ensuring consistent doneness. This is what I did tonight.

Selecting Lamb Rump Roast at a Butcher Shop

When selecting a lamb rump roast, consider the following tips:

  • Appearance: Look for a bright red colour with marbling of fat throughout the meat. Avoid cuts that appear brown or greyish.
  • Freshness: Fresh lamb should have a mild, clean smell. Any off-putting odour could indicate spoilage.
  • Firmness: The meat should be firm to the touch, not slimy or sticky.
  • Butcher’s Advice: Engage with your butcher; they can provide insights into the best cuts available and suggest preparation methods. I bought mine from a local state-based supermarket. I didn’t consult anyone.

Nutritional Value of Lamb Rump Roast

  • Fats: Lamb rump contains around 20 grams of fat per 100 grams. This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats, with some cuts containing higher fat content than others.
  • Protein: A rich source of protein, lamb rump provides approximately 25 grams per 100 grams, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Carbohydrates: Lamb rump roast is virtually carbohydrate-free, making it suitable for low-carbohydrate diets.

Premarket Processes

Consumers should be aware of the premarket processes that lamb rump roast may undergo:

Ageing: Lamb meat is often aged to enhance its tenderness and flavour. This process involves storing the meat at a controlled temperature for a specific period.

Trimming: Excess fat and connective tissue are trimmed off to provide a more desirable cut.

Packaging: Vacuum-sealed packaging helps to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.

Conclusion

Cooking and eating lamb rump roast is a delicious culinary experience. Understanding its origin, selecting the best cut, and knowing the best cooking methods can elevate any meal. With its rich nutritional profile, lamb rump roast is a good choice for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Lump of lamb rump
  • Salt
Lamb rump in the store packaging. The price is $AUD8.56 at $AUD19.90/kilogram.
Lamb rump

Equipment

  • Water bath
  • Precision cooker
  • Propane gas torch

Instructions

  1. The day before the meal, dry brine the meat.
  2. A few hours before the meal put the meat into a bag and vacuum seal it.
  3. Cook the lamb in a water bath with a precision cooker set at 58 °C (136.5 °F) for 3 hours.
  4. Remove the meat from the bag and dry the surfaces.
  5. Sear the meat with a propane gas torch.
  6. Carve the meat with a sharp knife and serve the meat on a dinner plate.

Photographs

This is a gallery of images. Click on one and you can scroll through the series.

Thoughts on the meal

The lamb was tender and tasted great. The fat was nicely seared. I’ll add sous vide lamb rump to the list of food I’m happy to enjoy repeatedly.

Lamb for lunch

I also enjoyed lamb loin chops for lunch.

It was cold this morning.

A photograph of Henley Beach Jetty just after dawn. The surf is choppy because of the strong offshore winds. The clouds are dark and heavy in the sky. The street lamps on the jetty are on.

Comments

12 responses to “Lumpy rumpy”

  1. kaitiscotland Avatar

    My brothers used to love “chump chops” but I had no idea what bit of the lamb they came from till today!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gary Avatar

      While I doubt it will ever happen, if I visited Scotland, I’d like to try a few lamb dishes and compare the flavour with Australian lamb.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kaitiscotland Avatar

        I’ve been to Australia and New Zealand and live in Scotland. Lamb tastes the same. I was amazed that in Sydney when I asked for lamb chops, they came in breadcrumbs and had been deep fried. Sacrilege!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Gary Avatar

          Growing up crumbed lamb cutlets were a popular dish. I also saw in my butcher yesterday he was selling them too.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. kaitiscotland Avatar

            I’ve never ever seen this anywhere else but Oz. I was also amazed at how many Australians love pies.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Gary Avatar

              A really good meat pie is hard to beat.

              Liked by 1 person

  2. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella Avatar

    Gary I had lamb on the weekend-I think you would have approved! This looks delicious :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gary Avatar

      I’m sure I would. 😃

      Like

  3. ckennedy Avatar

    Love the title for this post!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gary Avatar

      Thanks, Cecilia. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Kris Avatar

    attempting to post a comment again!

    I was curious how the herbs held up in the water bath cooking? Are they woody or soft and how does the flavor get into the meat?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gary Avatar

      Thanks, Kris. The rosemary remained woody. The bush I have is flowering at the moment so it’s quite stiff and hard. I added the rosemary because I knew it would impart some of its aroma to the lamb.

      Like

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