Lamb recipe for slow cooker

Slow Cooker Lamb Recipe: Tender and Flavorful Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder 🍖

Slow cooking lamb is a fantastic way to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth, tender dish with deep flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that the lamb becomes perfectly cooked, juicy, and infused with aromatic spices. This Slow Cooker Lamb Shoulder recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion!

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Ingredients 📝:

• 3-4 lbs (1.5-2 kg) lamb shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth (or red wine for a richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish (optional)

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Instructions 🍴:

1. Prepare the Lamb:

• Season the lamb generously with salt, pepper, and your herbs (rosemary and thyme).
• Rub the lamb with garlic, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon for extra depth of flavor. You can use your hands to really work the seasoning into the meat.
• Optionally, drizzle olive oil over the lamb to help with browning and flavor.

2. Brown the Lamb (Optional but Recommended):

• In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and brown the lamb on all sides for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps to lock in flavor and gives the lamb a beautiful golden crust.
• Once browned, transfer the lamb to the slow cooker.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Place the onion, carrots, and potatoes (if using) into the bottom of the slow cooker. These vegetables will absorb the flavors of the lamb as it cooks and form the base for the dish.

4. Add the Liquid:

• Pour in the broth (or red wine for a richer flavor) into the slow cooker. This will create a delicious, savory base and help keep the lamb moist during cooking.
• Add tomato paste for a richer, slightly tangy flavor, and mix it into the broth.

5. Slow Cook the Lamb:

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or 4-5 hours on high), until the lamb is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
• You’ll know it’s done when the lamb is fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C), perfect for shredding.

6. Finishing Touches:

• Once the lamb is done, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
• Optionally, you can strain the liquid in the slow cooker, skim off the fat, and simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken into a savory gravy.

7. Serve:

• Serve the shredded lamb with the cooked vegetables and drizzle with some of the cooking liquid or gravy.
• Garnish with lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or coriander for a fresh, aromatic touch.
• You can also serve this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, flatbread, or even as a sandwich in pita or a wrap.

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Optional Variations 🍴:

• Moroccan-Inspired: Add some dried apricots or raisins to the slow cooker for a sweet contrast to the savory lamb, and sprinkle with cinnamon and coriander for a Moroccan twist.
• Indian-Style: Add some garam masala, turmeric, and curry powder to the rub for a flavorful, aromatic dish. Serve with naan or basmati rice.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to give the lamb a bit of heat if you like spice!

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Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Lamb 🍖:

1. Low and Slow: Cooking on the low setting for a longer period of time ensures the lamb becomes fork-tender and incredibly juicy.
2. Searing the Meat: While optional, searing the lamb first enhances the flavor and adds a lovely caramelized crust to the meat.
3. Resting the Lamb: Allow the lamb to rest for a few minutes after cooking to make it easier to shred and to retain the juices.
4. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) or simmer the sauce on the stove after removing the lamb to reduce it to your desired consistency.

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Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Lamb Shoulder recipe is an easy, hands-off way to cook a delicious, flavorful lamb roast. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a tender, aromatic dish perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a festive holiday like Easter. Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth lamb, and don’t forget to pair it with some comforting sides for the ultimate meal!