Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the lamb shoulder is infused with rich herbs and spices, allowing it to melt in your mouth.
Paired with risoni (orzo pasta), which soaks up all the flavourful juices from the lamb, this Baked Shoulder of Lamb with Risoni delivers a satisfying blend of Greek flavours and textures.
Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, it’s a show-stopping centrepiece that’s as delicious as it is comforting.
Baked Shoulder of Lamb with Risoni Recipe
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
1 x 2 kg (4 lb 6 oz) lamb shoulder (with bone)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, grated
3–4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 x 700 g (261⁄2 oz) bottle passata sauce
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
250 ml (9 fl oz) water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
500 g (18 oz) risoni pasta
750 ml (24 fl oz) boiling water, extra grated parmesan cheese
Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F).
Make four incisions in the lamb, insert a garlic half into each one and place onto a large baking pan.
Mix together the oil, onion, garlic, passata, cinnamon and water and season with salt and pepper. Pour the tomato mixture over the lamb and cover with a tight lid or a double layer of foil.
Bake for 2 ½ hours then remove the cover, increase oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) and continue baking for another 45–60 minutes until the lamb is tender and browned. Baste the lamb with the juices occasionally.
Remove the lamb from the pan, set aside and keep warm. Skim off any fat that has risen to the surface of the pan then stir in the risoni and pour in the boiling water, return to the oven and bake for 30–45 minutes stirring regularly until the risoni is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. If risoni dries out add a little extra water.
Remove from the oven, cover and allow to rest for 10– 15 minutes for the liquid to be completely absorbed before serving with the lamb, lots of parmesan cheese and a beautiful salad. The lamb can either be sliced or pulled off the bone.
Recipe extract from The Mediterranean Table by Rena Patten. RRP $45.00 AUD / RRP $49.99 NZD.
