Description
A succulent slow roasted lamb shoulder infused with garlic, rosemary, and anchovy for a rich, savory flavor. The lamb is cooked low and slow in the oven to achieve tender, juicy meat with a deliciously aromatic gravy made from the pan juices and roasted onions.
Ingredients
Lamb Shoulder and Marinade
- 2 kg Lamb Shoulder
- 6 cloves garlic
- 20 g fresh rosemary
- 30 g tinned anchovies in oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Cooking Liquids
- 3 onions
- 100 ml water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) to ensure an even low temperature for slow roasting the lamb shoulder.
- Prepare Lamb: Score small slits into the fat of the lamb shoulder and insert large slices of garlic and sprigs of rosemary into these slits to infuse flavor directly into the meat.
- Add Anchovies: Layer the anchovy fillets on top of the lamb shoulder to add a deep umami flavor, reserving the oil for later use during cooking.
- Prepare Onions: Slice the onions into rings and spread them on the bottom of a baking tray along with any leftover garlic and rosemary to create a flavorful bed for the lamb.
- Assemble for Roasting: Place the lamb shoulder on top of the onion layer, drizzle with the reserved anchovy oil, and season generously with salt and pepper for added taste.
- Add Water: Pour 100 ml of water into the bottom of the baking tray to create steam and help keep the meat moist during roasting.
- Cover with Foil: Cover the entire baking tray and lamb completely with tin foil, ensuring no gaps to lock in moisture and heat.
- Roast Slowly: Place in the oven and roast for 4 hours at low heat to tenderize the lamb thoroughly.
- Finish Roasting: Remove the tin foil after 4 hours and continue roasting for an additional 30 minutes to develop a crisp exterior.
- Rest the Meat: Remove from the oven and let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for optimum tenderness.
- Prepare Gravy - Collect Juices: Collect all the juices that have drained from the lamb and pooled at the bottom of the baking tray.
- Skim Fat: Skim off as much fat from the collected juices as possible for a leaner gravy.
- Blend Gravy: Use a stick blender to blend the juices together with the roasted onions until smooth for a rich, flavorful gravy.
- Reduce Gravy: Place the blended mixture on the stovetop over low heat and reduce until thickened to the desired consistency.
Notes
- Make sure the foil is sealed tightly to prevent steam from escaping during roasting.
- Resting the lamb is crucial to keep it juicy and tender when sliced.
- Anchovies add umami without a strong fishy taste—do not skip this ingredient.
- Use a sharp knife to score the lamb fat gently without cutting too deeply into the meat.
- The gravy can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British