Halal...

[ummmm]

I was reading on the net yesterday that Halal butchers are much cheaper than supermarkets or non Halal butchers.

Anyone shop in a Halal butchers?

Would you recommend them?

[EcclesCake]

I cannot comment on the price aspect as I don't often visit Halal butchers.

One thing that you are likely to find is that lamb is often left on the bone and is not butchered to the same cuts you might be familiar with.

As far as recommendation goes I have nothing to offer as it does depend on the butcher - same as recommending any butcher/grocer etc.

You are likely to find that some here will shout you down for considering Halal meat due to the method of slaughter.

Sorry, I've not been a lot of help really!

[Dee Sa]

yes I shop at a very popular halal butchers in East Ham sometimes when I go there, their meat has recently gone up in leaps & bounds and is the same price as an English butcher, their meat is always very fresh due to large turover but its slightly tough if u dont cook it or a little longer than normal, lovely for curries etc, but I would not make a special journey there as we have a very good English butcher nearer.
Dee

[ummmm]

Thanks...I'll have a nosey next time I'm out.

[Ratty2E]

I think it depends on the individual shop but I doubt they would be very much cheaper.
i get most of my meat from a farm shop but I do get lamb mince from an arabic shop down the road from me. Not cheaper I don't think but the quality is much better than the supermarket because it's actually minced meat, not bone, gristle and who knows what else. Cheaper doesn't mean your getting better value.

[anneasquith]

yes........... yes.

[ummmm]

Thanks Ratty and Anne...

I was just looking at the price of meat now and it's shocking. With two men and two boys to feed it's getting really expensive. I won't scrimp on quality though...I'd rather eat less :-)

[Dee Sa]

I can recommend their "front chops" or "back chops".
I cook them in a large square dish enough for 4 people, add onions,carrot, mushroom & courgetter with dolop of Lee & Perrins, bisto, season etc and cover with silver foil and cook approx i hour. whilst this is cooking peel 4 large potatoes [ Cyprus potatoes are best] and part boil them whole, take out chops in dish remove foil and slice the potatoes thickly over the meat until all the meat is covered, salt & pepper the potatoes and put back in oven for 30 mins until potatoes are brown on top.One dish meal which can be prepared the night before and left in the fridge.
Their neck end which they will cut into small pieces on the bone makes wonderful curries, dont try and remove the bones until its cooked, we serve with the bone.

[Craftypig]

I used to work at a chicken factory and we would often get "halal butchers" coming to the back door wanting to purchase any condemned meat. Not wanting to be controversial but buyer beware....

[ummmm]

Dee sa - Problem is I'm not very keen on stews and casseroles. Maybe I should just make something for myself. The boys would eat it though..

[TonyV]

Best place to go if you want some goat though - makes a good curry

[ummmm]

Never thought of that Tony....

[TonyV]

ummm what goat or curry

[Ratty2E]

I have a goat curry recipe I've been meaning to try, thanks for the reminder.

[sandyRoe]

Crafty,
it's not only halal butchers who would sell rotten meat.

http://www.dailymail....at-scam-going-on.html

[ummmm]

Tony...I hadn't thought to try goat. I might give it a go...

Pixi...thanks. I'll poke you after I've been :-)

Sandy....I'll read that after CDWM..!!

[sandyRoe]

There's a lot to be said for a vegetarian diet. Not much chance of being offered putrid lentils.

[Dee Sa]

never had goat meat, is a bit tough or stringy or is it like when you cook venison thats always a bit tough[ not that I can afford these days !].Havent noticed goat at our neaerst halal butchers but will look for it next time I go.
Waiting there once a West Indian lady priced a whole lamb, agreed on the price and they cut it all up in front of her and she was instructing them how she wanted it cut, fascinating to watch, didnt take long either.

[ummmm]

I've tried curried goat once and I didn't like it. Worth a try again though...just a different recipe.

[Old_Geezer]

I tried goat meat in a curry I bought at the Notting Hill Carnival one year. Was not well later that day, although I suspect it wasn't because it was goat.

I'm unsure I approve of the way Halal slaughter animals, so personally I'd try to avoid it.