by Feeling Great | Aug 3, 2023 | Dinner Recipes, Recipes
Lamb Harira – A Nourishing Middle Eastern Delight
A Comforting Dish for Cooler Evenings
As the nights get cooler, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty meal to keep you satisfied. This Lamb Harira recipe is packed with Middle Eastern flavors, nourishing ingredients, and rich spices. It’s perfect for family dinners or even a special gathering. The best part? You can double the batch and impress your guests with a delicious, comforting dish.
The slow-cooked lamb shanks create a deep, flavorful broth, while a mix of vegetables, spices, and quinoa adds texture and nutrition. Let the aromatic blend of cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and saffron fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth.
Lamb Harira Recipe (Serves 6)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil
- 4 lamb shanks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Big pinch saffron
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- 2 cups chopped pumpkin
- 4 cups chopped silverbeet or kale
- 2 cups chopped sweet potato
- 2 liters water or stock
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chopped coriander
- ½ cup chopped parsley and mint (optional)
Method
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add lamb shanks and brown on all sides, then set aside.
- Sauté onion and celery until soft and translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add garlic and spices to the pan. Stir for 2 minutes to release their aroma. Mix in chopped tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in water or stock and return the lamb to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender.
- Remove lamb, allow it to cool, then shred the meat off the bone. Discard bones and return meat to the pot.
- Add quinoa, sweet potato, pumpkin, zucchini, and greens. Cook for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season to taste, stir in fresh coriander, parsley, and mint.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.
Enjoy this rich and nourishing Lamb Harira, perfect for cozy nights and satisfying meals!
by Feeling Great | Sep 21, 2015 | Dinner Recipes
Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, melt-in-your-mouth lamb dish, this slow-cooked lamb shoulder is perfect. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s famous recipe, this healthier version pairs beautifully with cauliflower mash, steamed greens, or a fresh salad. It’s ideal for family dinners, weekend feasts, or meal prepping for the week.
Slow cooking allows the lamb to become tender and full of rich flavors, while the combination of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and vegetables makes this dish nutrient-dense and wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Easy to find and naturally nutritious.
- Slow-cooked to perfection – The meat becomes fall-apart tender.
- Great for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Perfect for gatherings – A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2kg grass-fed lamb shoulder
- 1 bulb garlic (halved crossways, plus extra cloves sliced)
- Handful of fresh rosemary sprigs
- Handful of fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- Himalayan salt & freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- 2 red onions, cut into wedges
- 2 small fennel bulbs, trimmed & quartered
- 3 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, cut into pieces
- 1 large leek, trimmed & cut into 4cm pieces
- 2 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce for a gluten-free option)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder
Step 1: Prep the Lamb
Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan-forced) or 200°C. Using a sharp knife, make small 2cm incisions all over the lamb. Insert sliced garlic, rosemary, and half of the thyme into the cuts. Coat the lamb with a light drizzle of oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Place the garlic bulb, onions, fennel, carrots, celery, and leek in a large roasting pan. Scatter the remaining thyme over the vegetables. Lightly drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Slow Roast the Lamb
Place the lamb on top of the vegetables and drizzle with tamari for added depth of flavor. Cover the pan tightly with two layers of foil. Reduce the oven temperature to 155°C (fan-forced) or 175°C.
Let the lamb slow cook for 3½ to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Once the lamb is cooked, gently pull apart the meat and remove the bones. Drizzle with extra tamari, if desired. Serve alongside the roasted garlic and vegetables, paired with steamed greens, cauliflower mash, or a crisp salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow-Cooked Lamb
- For extra flavor: Sear the lamb before slow roasting to lock in juices.
- Want a richer taste? Add a splash of red wine to the roasting pan before cooking.
- Leftovers idea: Use shredded lamb in salads, wraps, or grain bowls for easy meals.
Final Thoughts
This slow-cooked lamb shoulder is a must-try recipe if you love tender, flavorful meat with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re entertaining guests or making a comforting meal for the family, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! If you loved it, don’t forget to share it with friends.
