Stew

[FP]

I want to make a proper lamb stew.  I used to make it regularly as a winter dish that bubbled on the hob for hours and was then served with dumplings.    The trouble is it is impossible to get good old scrag end and middle neck of lamb, which, in my opinion, is the only suitable meat for stewing because of the taste and the fact that the bones make excellent stock.

However, I can't get it any more.  The supermarket butchers look at me as if I am mad and the local proper butchers say that they use different cuts now and the meat I want is not put on sale.  The butcher offered me shoulder steaks (which would have cost �4.00 ish) or diced lamb.  The meat I used to use would have cost very little.

I am craving for my lamb stew - any ideas!

[ursula62]

Have you tried asking a nearby farm shop? They may be able to supply you with the cut of meat you want.

Also, we used to get lamb bones from the butcher for our dog. Sometimes my Mum would make stew from these as there was usually a lot of meat left on them!

Butchers have been funny about selling stuff on the bone since the BSE crisis a few years back.

[FP]

Good idea Ursula.  Our local butchers have their own cattle herds, but obviously not sheep.  I do live in a remote area and we have a Farmers' Market every 4th Saturday, so I will venture out and find out if I can get my lamb.  If not, Mr FP will have stew made from 'bones for the dogs'.  I wouldn't hesitate to use them!

So many good cuts of meat are disappearing, especially the cheaper cuts.  I find that even some of the young butchers don't know what I am asking for.

I would also love to buy Pork chops with the kidney in like we used to be able to.  I presume this isn't allowed any more.

I'm making beef stew tonight, but not with much enthusiasm!

[Artemis]

Can't believe your local butchers haven't got neck (scrag) of lamb. Butchers buy the whole lamb/sheep and this includes the neck.

Some butchers do sell pork chops with the kidney still attached but not many now as pork kidney has gone out of fashion. Also to reduce the price per item(chop) the fillet is removed and to do this the kidney must be removed also.

[Elfin]

I always use neck of lamb for stew.  It's cheap and you can always get it in the pre-packed fresh meat section at Tesco.  A couple of quid's worth makes a delicious stew for 3 people. No bones though FP, I'm afraid.

[FP]

That's what I thought Artemis.  I was really surprised because I had made a special trip to the butchers thinking that they would at least be able to cut me some lamb.  Unfortunately, we don't have another proper butchers shop, only supermarkets.  However, thinking about it Morrisons have a butchery on the premises.  I'll try there tomorrow.

Are you a butcher - you sound very knowledgeable?

[FP]

Elfin thanks. Tesco's is coming to town this year!  At present, I can only order from Tescos online and I can't buy lamb neck that way.  My nearest Tescos at present is 15 miles away.

This stew better be good when I finally get the lamb.  Lots of root vegetables and pearl barley and best of all -fluffy dumplings. 

I'm also thinking of making a steak and kidney pudding - haven't done one of those for years!

[spudqueen]

FP - can I came to tea at your house?

[smudge]

Two dumplings for me please FP - yummy!

[FP]

Everybody welcome.  Bring your own cutlery and some nice real ale!

[smudge]

lol FP - Wouldn't we have some fun!

[sandbach99]

Try Butchers-online.net, this gives you the local or nationwide butchers, some have their own web-sites and deliver, someone may be able to provide you with scrag end, the only snag is it may be dearer or the quantity you have to buy 

[Dark Angel]

FP - I can't help you with where to find the meat, but I found a freebie lamb recipe book on a site that I browse occasionally.   

Here it is

http://www.superiorfarms.com/Pages/freeitems.htm

[FP]

Thanks to all of you for some excellent ideas.  I will look into all your ideas and perhaps try some of those recipes from Dark Angel's suggested site.

(The beef stew didn't materialise)  I cooked the stewing steak with loads of onions to make a very rich gravy and a cobbler topping is going on tonight!

[Xollob]

How about using lamb shanks, browned in olive oil with plenty of onions, garlic, root vegetables; spiced with cloves, bayleaf, allspice, black pepper and a stick of cinnamon; deglazed with red wine and balsamic vinegar; cooked at about 150�C for about two to three hours?

[FP]

Xollob    Sounds absolutely mouth watering!  Will definitely try that.  I love lamb shanks, so sweet and succulent.  Thanks

[woofgang]

I make steak and kidney pudding and pie quite regularly during the winter, also beef stew and dumplings. M and S do quite a passable tinned steak and kidney mix, its not as good as the real thing but okay for those sudden cravings when there's no time to simmer!!

[Elfin]

FP, you could try the Real Meat Company.  They deliver nationwide, and I found them a few years ago as they had a shop up the road from where I used to live.   They do great stuff but you'll need space in your freezer - see here http://www.realmeatco.sageweb.co.uk/catalog.htm

I miss the shop. Hmm, I might have to place an order myself now...

[manogwent]

 try a halal butcher, they can normally supply what you want. Also ask your local butcher for mutton,fattier but what a taste!!