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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- What is a Spit Braai?
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options for a Spit Braai
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- Spit Braai Catering Cape Town
- Halaal Spit Braai Catering Cape Town
Return to the main page for more information.
Factors to Consider
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.