Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shoulder
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 40 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 50 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shoulder
Description
This recipe begins by deboning and trimming the lamb shoulder before cutting it into uniform cubes for even cooking. The meat is first seared to develop flavor, then combined with sautéed vegetables and a medley of Mediterranean spices. Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that brightens the rich lamb.
Once the spices and garlic are added, peeled tomatoes are pureed through a mouli to create a smooth sauce that envelops the meat. The dish simmers gently for several hours until the lamb becomes tender enough to fall apart, with occasional water added to maintain moisture.
Serving the braised lamb hot with grain accompaniments such as couscous or fregola complements the robust flavors of the dish, making it a satisfying and aromatic meal rooted in Mediterranean culinary traditions.
Ingredients
- 1 lamb shoulder
- 1 onion large
- 2 celery sticks
- 2 carrot
- 2/5 cup balsamic vinegar
- 10 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons fennel seeds toasted
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cloves
- 2 peeled tomatoes small cans
- chilli to taste
- neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
Instructions
- Debone the lamb shoulder and remove most of the fat.
- Cut into 2cm by 2cm (1 x 1 inch) pieces.
- Sear the meat in a hot fry pan and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook the onion, celery and carrot, then add the meat and stir.
- Add the vinegar and stir.
- Add the spices and garlic and stir.
- Season with salt, pepper and chilli and stir.
- Pass the tomatoes through a mouli, then add them to the pot and stir.
- Cook, partly covered with a lid, until the lamb is soft and tender.
- This usually takes between 2.5 to 3 hours.
- If the lamb begins to dry out, add a little bit of water as required.
- Serve hot, with cous cous or fregola.
Notes
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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