Delicious Easter Meat Recipes to Celebrate the Day

Easter is a season filled with joy, family, and above all, good food. While many people think of Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies, most Easter family gatherings in Eastern Europe include a lot of meat as part of the traditional Easter meal. Here are some easy and tempting meat recipes to make your Easter dinner equally special and a delight for your guests.

1. Honey Glazed Ham

Honey glazed ham is easy to prepare and tastes sweet and salty at the same time. A great dish that serves as the main course and is a traditional favorite for Easter.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Set the oven heat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
2. Place the ham cut-side down into a roasting pan.
3. Combine the honey, brown sugar, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon in a bowl to make the glaze.
4. Apply the glaze to the ham and loosely cover with aluminum foil.
5. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every half hour. In the last 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize.

2. Rack of Lamb with Herb Crust

Impress your guests with a sophisticated meal featuring a gorgeous rack of lamb cured with herbs. The preparation is simple and the taste is great.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of lamb, frenched (approx 600g each)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub the racks of lamb with salt and pepper and brown them for 2–3 minutes on each side in a hot skillet.
3. In a bowl, blend breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, thyme, and a small amount of salt.
4. Apply the mustard on the lamb, then coat the meat with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Add the racks to the roasting pan, cover with foil, and cook in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes for medium-rare. Allow a few minutes after removing from the oven before cutting into portions.

3. Roast Beef with Garlic and Rosemary

This perfectly prepared roast beef dish is ideal for a family gathering and pairs superbly with seasonal roast veggies.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb boneless beef roast (ribeye or sirloin cuts)
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped finely
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven at 375 °F (or 190 °C).
2. In a separate container, combine garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
3. Rub the spice mixture on the surface of the beef roast.
4. Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook for about 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135 °F.
5. Allow the roast to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.

4. Braised Pork Shoulder

Braised pork shoulder is hearty and fulfilling, making it a great dish for parties since it can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lb pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven at 300 °F (or 150 °C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the pork dry and season with salt and pepper, then brown all over.
3. Remove the pork and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the remaining oil until translucent.
4. Return the pork to the pot, add chicken broth, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and thyme.
5. Cover and braise in the oven for 4-5 hours until tender. Shred the meat and serve with pan juices.

Conclusion

Using these rich meat dishes will make your Easter celebrations unforgettable. Start with the timeless honey-glazed ham, then proceed to the herb-crusted rack of lamb, and enjoy a feast that will create lasting memories with family and friends.