Jamie Oliver Lamb Soup Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together tender lamb, a variety of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. It’s a rustic, comforting soup, perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. What sets Jamie’s version apart is its balance of rich and light elements. The lamb provides a deep, savory base while the vegetables lighten up the overall flavor profile. The blend of herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, along with some garlic, gives the soup a depth that makes it unforgettable.

Jamie Oliver Lamb Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup, you’ll need:

• Lamb: Ideally, a shoulder or neck of lamb is used for its richness and tenderness. The bones help flavor the broth, making the soup even more satisfying.
• Onion: A key building block for any soup. It adds sweetness and depth.
• Carrots: They bring in a slight sweetness and color to the dish.
• Celery: Adds crunch and an earthy, slightly peppery note.
• Garlic: For a little extra bite and aroma.
• Tomatoes: These give the soup a juicy, tangy element that complements the richness of the lamb.
• Potatoes: For heartiness and to help thicken the soup.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme are Jamie’s go-to. They bring a woodsy, aromatic flavor.
• Lamb stock: To build the soup base, you can either use homemade lamb stock or a good quality store-bought one.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning, of course!

Optional ingredients you might like to add are:

• Chopped spinach or kale: For a green, healthy kick.
• Peas: A little pop of sweetness.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment but here’s what you’ll need:

• A large pot: To cook everything in. A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works great for even cooking.
• Sharp knife: For chopping your veggies and meat. A good sharp knife makes a world of difference when you’re prepping.
• Chopping board: You’ll be cutting up lots of vegetables and lamb, so a large board is ideal.
• Ladle or large spoon: To stir and serve the soup once it’s cooked.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup

1. Prepare the lamb: Start by cutting the lamb into chunks. You want pieces that are small enough to tenderize in the soup but large enough to add that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Season it well with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the lamb: In your large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches so it gets a nice golden sear. This step locks in the flavor and gives the soup a richer base. Once browned, set the lamb aside.
3. Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, carrots and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-10 minutes. The vegetables will absorb all those flavors left behind from the lamb.
4. Add the tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook them down until they start breaking apart. This helps release their juices which will contribute to the broth’s flavor.
5. Add the stock and herbs: Pour in the lamb stock and toss in the rosemary and thyme. Stir to combine. You can tie the herbs together with some kitchen twine if you want to remove them later or just toss them in and remove them before serving.
6. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful and tender the lamb will become.
7. Add the potatoes: About halfway through the simmering process, add the diced potatoes. They’ll absorb all the lovely flavors from the stock and the lamb while also making the soup heartier.
8. Final touches: Once the lamb is super tender and the soup is full of flavor, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
9. Serve: Serve hot with some crusty bread or over a bed of leafy greens for a complete meal.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup is a reminder of the power of simplicity. By focusing on quality ingredients, the dish becomes something greater than the sum of its parts. The slow simmering process is key here. Taking your time allows the flavors to meld together and that’s what transforms this soup into something special.

I also learned that browning the lamb before adding it to the soup base makes a huge difference. It’s easy to skip this step when you’re in a rush but doing it ensures a deeper, more complex flavor that you can’t replicate by simply throwing everything in the pot at once.

Using fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme which are often associated with roast meats, really helps bring the lamb’s natural flavor forward without overwhelming it. It’s all about balance.

Lastly, I found that Jamie’s version isn’t overly fussy. It’s a ’throw it all in and let it do its thing’ kind of recipe. And that’s what makes it so easy to love.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup

Jamie Oliver’s lamb soup recipe is already packed with flavor but sometimes you want to put your own spin on it, right? Here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours:

1. Spice It Up

   You can add a little heat to the soup with some dried chili flakes or a fresh chili for extra kick. If you love a warm, deep spice, smoked paprika or even harissa paste will add a smoky, complex flavor to the broth.

2. Veggie Variations

   While Jamie often uses root vegetables like carrots, potatoes and parsnips, feel free to swap them for others. Sweet potatoes work great in place of regular spuds, giving it a slightly sweeter undertone. Or if you want something a little more earthy, turnips or rutabagas could add an interesting twist.

3. Herb Boost

   Though rosemary and thyme are classic, there’s no harm in experimenting with herbs like oregano or bay leaves for a different flavor profile. A handful of fresh mint toward the end can also create a nice contrast to the richness of the lamb.

4. Adding Beans

   If you’re looking for something heartier, add a handful of cannellini beans or chickpeas to bulk it up. Not only do they make it more filling but they also take on the flavor of the broth, making each spoonful even more satisfying.

5. Grains Or Pasta

   To make this soup even more substantial, toss in some pearl barley or a bit of pasta-like orzo or small shells. Barley will add a chewy texture and pasta will give it that classic, comforting vibe.

6. Wine For Depth

   If you feel like elevating the flavors a little more, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the stock. It’ll add a rich, robust depth to the broth which is especially nice if you’re using a bit of a leaner cut of lamb.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftover lamb soup is one of those dishes that just gets better after a day or two. But, proper storage is key to maintaining its deliciousness.

1. Cool Quickly

   Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, store it in airtight containers. If you’re planning to store it for more than a few days, try to freeze it within 24 hours for maximum freshness. Don’t let it sit out for too long as that could affect the flavor and safety of your soup.

2. Freezing

   Lamb soup freezes well. To freeze, simply portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to leave a little room at the top of each container because liquids expand when frozen. It should last around 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

3. Reheating

   When reheating, it’s a good idea to stir often and add a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened too much. This will restore some of that luscious liquid texture. Keep an eye on it as it heats to prevent burning or over-reducing.

4. Avoid Freezing Fresh Veggies

   If you plan to freeze leftovers, consider removing delicate vegetables like leafy greens before storing. They don’t freeze well and can turn mushy when reheated. You can always add fresh greens like spinach or kale when you reheat the soup for that fresh pop of flavor.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup?

While this lamb soup is a meal on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the experience.

1. Fresh Crusty Bread

   Nothing beats a thick slice of warm, crusty bread to dip into the rich broth. You could go for a classic French baguette, a rustic sourdough or even a soft focaccia. The bread soaks up the flavors beautifully and it’s perfect for wiping the bowl clean.

2. Crispy Roasted Vegetables

   For a side that brings a bit of crunch and contrast, try roasting some seasonal vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots or parsnips. The slight char from roasting complements the tender lamb perfectly.

3. Greek Salad

   A light, refreshing Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and feta provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the soup. A squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil will make it even more vibrant.

4. Cheese And Crackers

   If you’re not keen on heavy sides, a simple platter of cheese and crackers would go nicely with the soup. Opt for something sharp like cheddar or a crumbly goat cheese that contrasts with the soup’s softness.

5. Wine Pairing

   For drinks, a glass of red wine, such as a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec, would work wonderfully. The tannins from the wine help cut through the richness of the lamb, enhancing the flavors of both.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup?

The main ingredients include lamb, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup?

It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to make, including cooking time for the lamb to become tender.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Soup Ahead Of Time?

Yes, the soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors tend to improve after a day or two.