How many people can a 20kg lamb feed?

To determine how many people a 20kg lamb can feed, it’s essential to consider several factors such as the method of preparation, portion sizes, and the type of meal.

A 20kg lamb can typically feed around 40-50 people, depending on the serving sizes and the sides you offer. To explore more about spit braai, check out our other pages:

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Factors to Consider

  1. Cooking Method:
    • Spit Braai: This traditional South African method involves roasting the lamb on a spit, which can result in some weight loss due to fat rendering.
    • Oven Roasting: Less weight loss compared to spit braai as it retains more moisture.
  2. Portion Size:
    • Main Course: If the lamb is the main attraction, larger portions are needed, typically around 300-400 grams per person.
    • Part of a Buffet: Smaller portions are sufficient, around 200 grams per person, as there are other dishes to accompany the meal.
  3. Bone Weight: A whole lamb includes bones, which constitute about 20-30% of the total weight. For a 20kg lamb, the edible meat would be approximately 14-16kg.

Calculation

Main Course Serving:

  • Assuming 300 grams per person:
    • Edible meat: 14-16kg
    • People served: 14,000-16,000 grams / 300 grams ≈ 46-53 people

Buffet Serving:

  • Assuming 200 grams per person:
    • Edible meat: 14-16kg
    • People served: 14,000-16,000 grams / 200 grams ≈ 70-80 people

Practical Considerations

  • Event Type: For a formal dinner, aim for larger portions to ensure satisfaction. For casual gatherings or buffets, smaller portions will suffice.
  • Appetite: Consider the appetite of your guests. Events with heavy eaters or fewer side dishes may require larger portions.

Conclusion

A 20kg lamb can typically feed:

  • 46-53 people as a main course.
  • 70-80 people as part of a buffet.

These estimates provide a good guideline for planning your next spit braai or event involving a whole lamb.

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