Description
Succulent slow-cooked lamb shoulder brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with rich, tender meat melting off the bone. Fragrant herbs and slow simmering create a comforting meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious, hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lamb shoulder
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 3 sprigs of rosemary
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion, cut into slices
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) red wine
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken stock
- Juice and zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Thoroughly massage the lamb shoulder with fragrant olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, vibrant lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to infuse deep flavor.
- Create a flavorful bed by layering roughly chopped carrots and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Gently nestle the seasoned lamb shoulder atop the vegetable foundation.
- Deglaze the lamb with robust red wine and rich beef stock, sprinkling fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper for aromatic complexity.
- Slow cook at 195°F for 6-7 hours, allowing the meat to become meltingly tender and develop intense, rich flavors.
- During the final hour of cooking, optionally whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry for sauce thickening.
- Once cooking completes, allow the lamb to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Carefully shred or slice the lamb, arranging on a serving platter surrounded by the caramelized vegetables and luxurious pan sauce.
Notes
- Marinate the lamb overnight for deeper, more intense flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Consider using bone-in shoulder for richer taste and increased moisture during slow cooking.
- Replace wine with additional stock or grape juice for non-alcoholic version, maintaining liquid volume and depth of flavor.
- Trim excess fat before cooking to reduce greasiness, but leave some for natural basting and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg