New Zealand Lamb: a local ingredient, but globally loved

National Lamb Day is about commemorating the arrival of the first shipment of New Zealand lamb to London in 1882, the beginning of our food and fibre industry. Since then, we’ve had immigrants from across the globe settle in Aotearoa, bringing with them a wealth of techniques and flavours that are perfect when combined with New Zeland’s finest.

From Lebanon to Indonesia and everywhere in between, lamb’s versatility is on full display in this selection of international recipes. If you're looking for something a little different from the traditional Kiwi lamb chop on the barbecue to mark National Lamb Day, why not try one of these exciting dishes?

Thailand

We challenge you to find anyone who doesn’t love Thai food. This red lamb curry brings together those refreshing flavours of lemongrass, ginger, and lime, with the rich creaminess of coconut cream which makes this cuisine so popular. Using a store brought red curry paste makes this recipe particularly quick to assemble.

Lebanon

Pomegranate is a great example of an authentic Lebanese ingredient, adding a tangy, sweet and sour taste to excite the taste buds. Sprinkled with jewel-like pomegranate seeds and drenched with pomegranate syrup this pizza has panache to spare.

Greece

We love a great salad and this is packed full of flavour and goodness. The sweetness of the lamb and green beans sits beautifully against the olives and feta - don't miss the dressing, it's simple but delicious.

India

Even in the height of summer, a lamb korma is a thing of beauty. Paired with unctuous mushrooms, it's an easy family dinner, especially midweek. Serve with naan on the side for mopping up juices.

China

Grab the flavours of China and gently marinate cubes of lamb to transform these skewers into a barbecued dinner for the family. Cucumber salad is all that's needed to balance it out.

Italy

This lamb parmigiana is an absolute winner, dripping with mozzarella and accompanied with lightly pickled zucchini along with the punchy flavour of dried tomatoes, it brings together many of the flavours and foods we traditionally associate with popular Italian cuisine. The bonus is this recipe comes with a video showing you just how easy it is to produce this stunning-looking meal.

Morocco

A truly marvellous combination that takes the flavours of Morocco and combines with the worlds favourite brunch, eggs benedict.

Indonesia

While not a traditional Nasi Goreng rice dish, we’ve used the same stimulating spices to marinate succulent lamb chops and then combined them with sweet tropical fruits such as mango and lychee. We reckon this recipe is worth firing up the BBQ for, even on a cold winter’s night.

France

The French know their way around eggs and this savoury omelette is a high protein packed brunch that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. We love to make up the mince in batches ahead of time so this omelette is on the table quick smart.

New Zealand

Kiwi cuisine is massively influenced by the pairing of our world-leading produce and the influence of the myriad of cultures that have made Aotearoa home. These healthy homemade lamb burgers deliver the perfect fusion of New Zealand and the Mediterranean with native Kawakawa combining with a feta sauce seasoned with lemon, chopped mint, and crème fraîche.

Japan

Pairing lamb loin fillets with a punchy kimchi spiked mayonnaise may seem brave, but it’s a clever choice for sure. Super tender, the rich lamb is perfectly complemented with fresh cabbage slaw too.

Mexico

Lamb leg steaks are so tender and don’t need much done to them, making this dinner quick to get on the table and a fave for everyone. Few kids will say no to tacos, and you can adjust the spice to suit you, and your families tastes.

Persia

Nothing beats a roast lamb leg but move the mint sauce aside and give this Persian spiced number a go. The harissa mayo packs a punch and the roast vegetables are the perfect side.