Boiled
Mutton
On the same day that Beijing was awarded the
2008 Olympic Games, it was announced that the 2005 Island Games were to
be held, for the first time, in Shetland. The Island Games were first
held in the Isle of Man in 1985 and the 2001 Games which finished on
Friday 13 July returned to Man once again. The successful Games, the
largest to date, covering 15 sports, attracted 2,151 competitors and 403
officials from 22 islands, world-wide, including Orkney and Shetland.
Both Scottish islands have participated in all 9 Games, held every two
years, and were among the 2001 medal winners.
Gold Silver Bronze
Shetland
2 6
10
Orkney 0 2
2
And Shetland gained the biggest prize of
all, by winning the right to stage the 2005 Games, which will see a
massive boost to the Shetland economy with over 2,500 visitors. Thought
is being given to chartering one or two cruise ships for the use of
visiting competitors and officials.
Shetland farmers should ensure that their
excellent produce is well to the fore in delighting the palates of their
visitors. The quality of Shetland sheep is renowned and this recipe for
Boiled Mutton provides not only a wonderful meat dish but has the added
bonus of a splendid soup.
Boiled Mutton
Serves 8-10
Ingredients
2 lb ( 1 Kg ) best end of neck or
gigot; 2-3 carrots; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 5 oz ( 150 g ) turnip;
16 small new potatoes or 8 large, halved; 4 pts ( 2 L ) water; 1 tsp
salt; 2 tsp sugar
Put the water, sugar and salt into a large
pan and bring to the boil. Put in meat, skim and simmer for 1 hour. Cut
the carrots into spears and cut turnip into 1 inch ( 2.5 cm ) cubes and
add to the pot with the onion. Cook for another 30 minutes till both the
meat and vegetables are tender. To serve, remove the meat and cut into
thick slices. Remove potatoes, carrots and turnips and serve with the
meat. Add a little of the broth to moisten. Garnish with parsley.
Serve the broth next day garnished with
parsley. Any leftover meat can be diced and returned to the pot.
