Saturday 18 July 2009

Making the best of it - hot tomato, basil & mozzarella

We hadn't been planning to eat at home. We thought a little wander out to a pub for a steak would be nice. But then we decided we were too lazy to leave the house.

I really didn't feel like pizza, so that meant we were at the mercy of the fridge contents. There were some rather limp carrots, half a butternut that had see better days, a couple of over-ripe tomatoes and some mozzarella that wasn't fresh enough to eat raw.

And a nice little rolled lamb shoulder.

The carrots, butternut and a couple of onions got tucked around the lamb, drizzled with olive oil and roasted. The tomatoes and mozzarella got sliced and sandwiched with (bottled) pesto and put in the other oven.

God I wish I remembered what temperature I cooked the lamb on, or how long it was in, because it was one of the best pieces of meat I have ever cooked. Perfectly tender and pink with a lovely crisp skin.

There was way too much melty mozzarella for the amount of tomato - it was delicious, but incredibly rich. I will definitely repeat this one, but with twice the number of tomatoes and less cheese.

The roasted vegetables were caramelly and nutty and just perfect. A delicious meal and the housewifely satisfaction of not wasting anything.

17 comments:

Esi said...

I love a good, simple caprese like this. Interesting take on making it warm.

maybelle's mom said...

I generally think the unplanned meals are the best ones.

MrOrph said...

spontaneity is the spark to some really great meals.

that lamb is PERFECT!

Alicia Foodycat said...

Esi - caprese is one of my favourite things, but my ingredients just weren't up to it!

Maybelle's Mom - I know, but you can never replicate it!

MrOrph - wasn't it just gorgeous? So delicious!

Deb in Hawaii said...

That lamb looks so perfect and I love the idea of the tomato and mozzarella hot--would be so good with a hunk of great bread. You really did make the best of it!

mscrankypants said...

The tomato and mozzarella served warm is one of those 'do'oh why didn't I think of that' ideas. I might have some on toast for lunch.

Heather S-G said...

That's just the way I like it...with too much cheese!! The lamb looks succulent!!! I'd say housewifely is a good thing here :D

Alicia Foodycat said...

Deb - yes, good bread would have made the meal!

Cranky - that sounds like a wonderful lunch.

Girli - a woman after my own heart!

Bettina Douglas said...

I thought you only roasted meat at 200C?

Jude said...

Ha ha to the Cat's Mother.

Was it one of those Costco joints Puzz?

Alicia Foodycat said...

Mother - I know! And this is what I get when I do something different.

Jude - yes, it was Costco!

Sam said...

It's funny how unplanned meals are often the best. The lamb looks beatifullt cooked.

Leslie said...

you know..I "follow" your blog but I never get your updates in my reader!!! Strange!
I often have meals that are not prepared as they are panned and they are always yummy

chow and chatter said...

yummy nice blog

Heather said...

thanks for checking up on me :) i'm doing well - just busy in the summer! this looks delicious! i just made myself a cold version of it for lunch tomorrow :)

Alicia Foodycat said...

Sam - I know it works out that way, but I am a planner!

Leslie - My reader doesn't always update, either.

Chow - thanks!

Heather - glad you are OK!

kat said...

Good job cleaning out the fridge! That lamb does look pefect.

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