Perfect Spiced Braised Lamb Recipe

Ingrédients

• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) saffron
• 1 kg (2.2 lb) boneless and tied lamb shoulder roast
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground allspice
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground coriander
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground cumin
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) ground turmeric
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) ground cardamom
• 1 lemon, finely grated zest
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey

Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a small saucepan, bring the chicken broth and saffron to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep until needed.
3. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear the lamb roast on all sides in the olive oil for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside on a plate.
4. Using the same Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onions in the lamb drippings until they are deeply browned. Stir in the garlic and spices, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for 2 minutes while stirring. Deglaze the pot with the infused broth, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey. Return the roast to the pot, bring to a boil, cover, and braise in the oven for 2 hours, turning the roast twice during cooking.
5. On a cutting board, transfer the roast and carefully remove the string. Slice the roast and serve with the onion sauce. Pair it with Persian rice with potato (refer to the recipe) and green beans, if desired.

Conseils de chef

• 💡 To add even more flavor, consider marinating the lamb shoulder roast overnight with the spices and olive oil. This extra step is a game-changer for seasoning.
• 💡 If you don't have saffron on hand, you can substitute it with a pinch of smoked paprika for a different but equally delightful flavor profile.
• 💡 For a deeper flavor boost, try adding a splash of red wine to deglaze the pot after sautéing the onions and spices.
• 💡 Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the pot for a one-pot meal. They will absorb the delicious aromas and flavors of the braised lamb.
• 💡 If you want a slightly sweeter dish, increase the amount of honey, or replace it with maple syrup for a unique twist.
• 💡 This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can braise the lamb ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Just reheat gently when ready to serve.
• 💡 Try using a slow cooker for this recipe; just sear the lamb first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for hours on low heat.
• 💡 Garnish your spiced braised lamb with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro. This brightens the dish and adds a fresh note to the hearty flavors.

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