Slow Cooked Lamb and Roots | Foods Good for Fertility During the Luteal Phase

Luteal Phase Recipe | Nutritious Dinner Idea

Feeds: 2 (or double the lamb to 1kg and save half for my lamb curry recipe) |

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 2.5 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 40 mins

Need a chuck-it-in-a-pan type of dinner recipe? I have the perfect dish!

This slow-cooked lamb and root vegetable recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring foods good for fertility, it’s perfect for the luteal phase! It supports your body’s increased energy needs while promoting hormonal balance and preparing for a potential pregnancy or your next bleed.

This recipe is perfect for busy women who don't have much time to spend in the kitchen. Although the cooking time looks long on this one, the time you spend prepping is minimal. The cooking process is also slow-cooked, giving the lamb ample time to soften and tender while infusing the vegetables into one delicious, must-try dish!

So why not give this slow-cooked lamb and root vegetables a try? You won’t regret it.

Ingredients

Supporting your body with natural remedies for irregular periods and nourishing it with foods good for fertility can make a significant difference during the luteal phase. 

In this phase, your body requires more energy and specific nutrients to:

• Support hormone production

• Sustain energy levels

• Prepare for a potential pregnancy

• Prepare for an upcoming bleed 

Ingredients like lamb provide a rich source of iron and zinc, both vital for hormonal balance, while root vegetables like carrots and parsnips deliver slow-releasing energy and essential vitamins. By choosing meals tailored to your cycle, you can align your diet with your body’s unique needs, improving your overall fertility health.

• 500g lamb shoulder (or 1kg for leftovers) – A rich source of iron and zinc.

• 1 large carrot, chopped – Supports healthy hormone function.

• 1 large parsnip, chopped – Provides complex carbohydrates.

• 1 onion, peeled and quartered – Adds depth of flavour.

• 1 leek, sliced – A good source of prebiotics to promote gut health.

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed – Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary – Contains antioxidants.

• 250ml warm stock (chicken or vegetable) – Adds moisture.

• 2 tbsp olive oil – A healthy fat that supports hormone production.

• Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning.

Step-by-Step Dinner Preparation

Slow cooking isn’t just about simplicity; it’s a wonderful way to provide help for unpredictable menstrual cycles by preserving the vital nutrients in your ingredients. 

Lamb, slow-cooked to tender perfection, is rich in iron and zinc, making it one of the best foods good for fertility. These nutrients are a cornerstone of the optimal fertility diet, as they support hormone production and energy levels during the luteal phase. 

Meanwhile, root vegetables like carrots and parsnips become sweeter and easier to digest during slow cooking, making them perfect as part of natural remedies for irregular periods. What I love most about this cooking method is that the collagen in lamb breaks down into gelatin, which nourishes your gut, a key factor if you’re looking for optimal immunity and a natural remedy for ceased menstruation.

By now, I’m sure you’re as impatient as I am to get cooking so you can eat this delicious dish. So, let’s get started!

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F/gas mark 4).

2. Prepare the lamb: Using a sharp knife, create shallow scores across the surface of the lamb in a cross-hatch pattern. Rub the lamb with olive oil and crushed garlic, then season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the dish: Place the lamb in the centre of a roasting dish. Arrange the chopped carrots, parsnip, onion, leek, and rosemary sprigs around the lamb. Pour the warm stock over the lamb and vegetables.

4. Slow roast: Cover the dish with foil and roast in the oven for 2 hours. This gentle cooking method ensures the lamb stays moist and the vegetables absorb all the wonderful flavours.

5. Crisp and finish: After 2 hours, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 30 minutes to allow the lamb to crisp up.

6. Serve and enjoy: Divide the lamb and vegetables onto plates. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a grain of your choice for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

• Double the lamb quantity to 1kg and save the leftovers for a delicious lamb curry later in the week! The leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

• Shred the lamb and spread it over a slice of sourdough bread for an easy, nourishing lunch.

• Swap out or add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips for variety.

• Don’t waste the pan juices! Turn the juices into a light gravy by whisking in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Fertility is about nourishment, not numbers, but for those of you who like to do some number crunching, here are the stats.

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal

• Fat: 25 g

• Carbohydrates: 15 g

• Protein: 35 g

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