Roasted Kid with Desert Herbs and Pomegranate
A shoulder of kid rubbed with hyssop, cumin and salt, slow-roasted until the meat falls apart, then glazed with pomegranate juice that caramelizes into a glowing crust. The rich, tender meat, the bitterness of the herbs and the fruity acidity respond to each other.
A shoulder of kid rubbed with hyssop, cumin and salt, slow-roasted until the meat falls apart, then glazed with pomegranate juice that caramelizes into a glowing crust. The rich, tender meat, the bitterness of the herbs and the fruity acidity respond to each other.
Approach, mortal, and do not fear my voice. Before my fall, I saw men learn fire and the knife — it was I, among the Watchers, who showed them the sharpness of metal. So listen: split the kid's flank, rub it with ezov torn from the hills, and let the embers do their slow work. When the pomegranate juice hisses on the flesh, you will know the beast is ready, and you will think of me, banished to the desert while your table smokes.
- •Kid (shoulder) — one whole shoulder (feast meat)
- •Fresh hyssop (ezov) — a good handful (purification herb, resinous flavor)
- •Cumin seeds — to taste (base spice)
- •Salt from the Dead Sea — generous (seasoning, crust)
- •Pomegranate (pressed juice) — juice of several fruits (acidity, glaze)
- •Olive oil — a drizzle (binder, browning)
Roasted Kid with Desert Herbs and Pomegranate
A shoulder of kid rubbed with hyssop, cumin and salt, slow-roasted until the meat falls apart, then glazed with pomegranate juice that caramelizes into a glowing crust. The rich, tender meat, the bitterness of the herbs and the fruity acidity respond to each other.
Why this dish? The goat is the animal of Azazel par excellence: in Leviticus, two goats are chosen by lot, one for the Lord, the other 'for Azazel', sent into the desert. While that goat goes away to the arid valley, the families of Judea roasted the kid for the feast — this recipe evokes that festive table, in the shadow of the rite taking place at the Temple.
Approach, mortal, and do not fear my voice. Before my fall, I saw men learn fire and the knife — it was I, among the Watchers, who showed them the sharpness of metal. So listen: split the kid's flank, rub it with ezov torn from the hills, and let the embers do their slow work. When the pomegranate juice hisses on the flesh, you will know the beast is ready, and you will think of me, banished to the desert while your table smokes.
Ingredients (period version)
- Kid (shoulder) — one whole shoulder (feast meat)
- Fresh hyssop (ezov) — a good handful (purification herb, resinous flavor)
- Cumin seeds — to taste (base spice)
- Salt from the Dead Sea — generous (seasoning, crust)
- Pomegranate (pressed juice) — juice of several fruits (acidity, glaze)
- Olive oil — a drizzle (binder, browning)
Ingredients
- Lamb or kid shoulder — 1.2 kg (meat)
- Fresh oregano or za'atar (if hyssop unavailable) — 2 tbsp (herb)
- Cumin seeds — 1 tsp (spice)
- Salt and pepper — to taste (seasoning)
- Pomegranate molasses — 3 tbsp (tangy glaze)
- Olive oil — 2 tbsp (coating)
Method
- Mix oil, cumin, herb and salt; massage all over the shoulder and let rest 1 hour.
- Sear the meat over high heat a few minutes per side to brown.
- Roast covered at 150°C for 2h30 to 3h, until the meat yields under a fork.
- Halfway through, brush with pomegranate molasses; repeat twice.
- Uncover for the last 15 min to lacquer the crust. Let rest before shredding to serve.
How it was made : Kid was a festive meat, rare in daily life. It was roasted on a spit over embers or in a clay oven (tabun) heated then sealed. Pomegranate, one of the seven blessed species of the land of Israel, served as fruit, tart juice and a symbol of fertility.
The contemporary twist : Serve shredded on warm flatbread, scattered with fresh pomegranate seeds that burst in the mouth like little red embers.
Sources : Leviticus 16 (rite of the two goats) · Oded Borowski, Daily Life in Biblical Times · Nathan MacDonald, What Did the Ancient Israelites Eat?
Azazel · Charactorium