Basque Lamb Stew

This one takes a bit of effort, but it’s  great flavorful way to use the lamb shoulder, which is an often neglected cut of the lamb.   A fantastic stew for a cold winter’s evening.

Ingredients

  • 1 lamb shoulder (3 1/2 lbs) cut into 2″ cubes (check “kebob style” on our order form)
  • 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 4 twigs of fresh rosemary, stripped
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tsp. sweet paprika
  • 3 roasted bell peppers, cut into 1/2″ strips (canned are easiest)
  • 1 large ripe tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
  • 5 sprigs of parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup of what ever red wine you’re serving for dinner
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock

Preparation

Combine lamb, 3 of the crushed garlic cloves, rosemary, and white wine in a medium bowl, mix well and cover with plastic wrap, and set aside to marinade for at least 2-3 hours (can be left overnight). Drain meat and discard marinade.

Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (use one with a tight fitting lid). Working in batches so as not to crowd the pot, add the lamb, and brown on all sides (about 10 minutes per batch). Let juices accumulate in the pot. Once all the meat is done, return it all to the pot. Add onions, crushed garlic, and salt and pepper to taste and cook until onions are soft (about five minutes). Scrape the pot bottom with a wooden spoon while doing this to avoid sticking. Stir in paprika, and add roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, parsley, bay leaf and red wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer until the mixture thickens (about 10 – 15 minutes).

Pour in the chicken stock, cover and put under low heat, stirring occasionally until the meat is very tender (about 2 – 2.5 hours). Adjust seasonings according to taste.

Braised Lamb Shanks

One of my favorite autumnal recipes.  This one is great for putting in the crock pot in the morning and then taking a long walk or hike in the crisp fall afternoon or a long day of farm chores to work up a hearty appetite.  This is an excellent meal to serve with a hearty farmhouse ale or nice Syrah.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound onions, sliced
  • 5 large shallots, sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 6 lamb shanks
  • All purpose flour
  • 2.5 cups dry red wine
  • 2.5 cups canned beef broth
  • 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves

Preparation

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and shallots and saut� until brown (about 20 minutes). Mix in 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary. Remove from heat.

Sprinkle lamb shanks with salt and pepper; coat lamb with flour. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Working in batches, add lamb shanks to skillet and cook until brown on both sides (about 10 minutes per batch). Using tongs, transfer lamb shanks to plate. Add 1 cup dry red wine to same skillet and bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Pour into Dutch oven with onion/shallot mixture. Add remaining 1.5 cups of wine, canned beef broth, tomato paste, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a boil, stirring until tomato paste dissolves. Add lamb shanks, turning to coat with liquid.

Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lamb is tender, turning lamb shanks occasionally (about 1.5 to 2 hours). (note: this can be prepared a day ahead – just cover and refrigerate).

Uncover Dutch oven and boil until liquid is reduced to sauce consistency, stirring and turning lamb shanks occasionally (about 30 minutes). Place lamb shanks on plate (one or two per person) and cover with gravy.