Spanish-style slow-cooked lamb shoulder & beans

Spanish-style slow-cooked lamb shoulder & beans

Serves 14 594 kcal per serving Prep 25 min Cook 5 h

Ingredients

  • 2.5kg Lamb Shoulder
  • 1 tblsp Olive Oil
  • 2 chopped Onion
  • 4 Chopped Carrots
  • 1 Whole Garlic Bulb
  • 500ml Chicken Stock
  • 1200g Butter Beans
  • 450g Roasted pepper
  • 300g Black Olives
  • 4 tablespoons Parsley
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, Crushed
  • 1 tablespoon Hot smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary

Instructions

  1. Combine the paprika, rosemary, crushed garlic and a generous pinch of salt to make a spice mix. Slash the lamb shoulder all over with a sharp knife and rub in the spices. If time allows, cover and marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though this is optional.
  2. Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan). Heat the olive oil in a large flameproof casserole over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and whole garlic bulb and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to the boil.
  3. Add the lamb to the pan, cover with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Cook for about 2 hours, until the meat is beginning to pull away easily.
  4. Remove the lid and lift the lamb onto a plate. Stir the butter beans, roasted peppers and black olives into the cooking liquid. Sit the lamb back on top and return to the oven, uncovered, for a further 1 hour 30 minutes, until very tender.
  5. Transfer the lamb to a board and shred with two forks. Stir the chopped parsley through the beans and serve the lamb on top.

Tips

  • Trim the thickest pieces of fat from the lamb but leave enough to keep the meat succulent during the long cook.
  • Brown the lamb shoulder on all sides before adding it to the slow cooker to develop a rich, roasted flavor.
  • Add the beans only in the last hour of cooking so they absorb the juices without turning into a mushy paste.

Variations

  • White Wine Braise: Use a dry white wine instead of red for a lighter, more aromatic sauce.
  • Rosemary and Garlic: Add extra rosemary and a whole head of garlic for a more herbal, pungent flavor.

Storage

This dish improves after a day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra stock.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of simple steamed greens or roasted carrots.
  • Provide plenty of crusty bread to mop up the lamb fat and bean-infused juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lamb leg?

Shoulder is preferred for slow cooking as it has more connective tissue that breaks down, making it more tender than leg.

Do I need to soak the beans?

If using dried beans, yes, they must be soaked and boiled first. Canned beans can be added directly near the end.

Is this a very heavy dish?

It is hearty and rich, best suited for cold weather or as a substantial Sunday lunch.

instructions_source: editorial-classic