Welcome to Paulina Cocina! The roasted kid goat we're going to discuss today is a traditional dish in many cultures, especially in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine.
It consists of roasting or baking young goat meat until it's tender and juicy. In families, grandmother's recipe is passed down from generation to generation, along with its unique characteristics and secrets.
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About the roast kid
There are recipes that seem designed for family gatherings, important events, or holidays like Christmas and New Year's. I mean, we can turn on the oven any day and make a special moment for no reason, and in fact, we wholeheartedly support the initiative here.
But recipes like Roast Lamb Shoulder , Roast Segovian Suckling Pig and our recipe today for Roast Goat, among others, are the kind that are shared, made ahead of time and then the grill master is congratulated.
The 3 keys to making a perfect roast goat
Roasted goat is a dish that dates back to ancient times and has been an important part of the diet in different regions of the world. It is especially popular in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Italy, and other Mediterranean countries. It involves a very interesting process that begins before the goat is even cooked.
- Before roasting the goat , it's common to marinate it for several hours or overnight in a mixture of herbs, spices, and olive oil. Marinades can vary by region and personal taste. Some common marinade ingredients are garlic, rosemary, thyme, white wine, and lemon juice.
- The goat is slowly baked in the oven at a low, constant temperature to ensure even cooking and tender meat. The oven temperature is typically around 160-180°C. Cooking time depends on the size of the goat and can vary between 2 and 4 hours.
- There are different techniques for roasting goat in the oven . Some recipes recommend placing the goat on a rack over a baking sheet to allow the heat to circulate throughout the meat and brown it evenly. Other recipes suggest roasting it on a bed of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and potatoes, to add extra flavor.
Segovian baked kid, a special recipe
Segovian roasted goat is a culinary specialty from the Segovia region of Spain. It is a traditional and iconic dish. Segovian goat is seasoned only with salt, without adding any other spices or seasonings. This is done to enhance the natural flavor and quality of the meat.
Segovian roast kid is traditionally served with "panaderas" potatoes, which are slices of potatoes roasted with the kid and bathed in its juice and fat. It can also be served with fresh salads and regional wine, such as the famous Ribera del Duero .
Choosing the goat to bake in the oven
Kid goat meat is the meat of young goats, usually between 4 and 8 weeks old. Its flavor is mild and delicate, with a tender and juicy texture. Kid meat is very tender, has a mild flavor, and has a texture similar to that of lamb.
Goat meat is used in many cultures to prepare traditional dishes, such as roasted goat meat, stews, and slow-roasted meats. Its meat is very versatile and adapts well to different cooking methods.
What's the difference between lamb and goat? Which is tastier?
The main difference between goat and lamb lies in the animal species they come from, which influences their flavor, texture, and culinary versatility. Due to its goat origin, goat meat has a distinctive flavor profile that differentiates it from lamb.
Goat meat has a mild, delicate flavor and is lean and suitable for a variety of preparations. Lamb has a more pronounced and juicy flavor, with a wider variety of cuts and cooking methods available. Both are appreciated in different culinary traditions and offer delicious options for meat lovers.
As for whether it's richer, it's up to the diner to decide. Some people may prefer the softness and tenderness of kid, while others may enjoy the more intense and distinctive flavor of lamb. As always, we suggest you try it... and then tell us about it.
Baked kid recipe
Roasted goat is traditionally served with a variety of sides . Some examples include roasted potatoes , fresh salads, steamed vegetables, beans, rice, or corn tortillas . This recipe goes well with potatoes because who doesn't love a good potato?
Yield : 10 portions
Preparation time : 4 hours
Ingredients
- 1 young goat (approximately 4-5 kg)
- 1 kg of potatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- 1 fresh thyme twig
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make roast goat with potatoes
- While the oven preheats to 180°C, wash the goat thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Place on a baking tray.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chopped garlic, rosemary leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the goat.
- Wash the potatoes, cut them into large chunks, and scatter them around the goat meat on the tray. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil.
- Cover the tray with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the goat, or until tender and cooked through. Remove the foil occasionally and baste with any juices that may have accumulated in the tray.
- Once the goat is browned and the potatoes are tender and lightly browned, remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
