This is such an easy recipe and a brilliant option when cooking for the family, or for friends. If you like it, then why not try a variation with different fillings such as harissa and cumin seeds, or sundreid tomato paste, olives and pine nuts?
1-1.5kg rolled shoulder of lamb, bone removed
2 tbsp baby capers in brine, rinsed and drained
2 garlic cloves, peeled
50g tin anchovy fillets in olive oil, drained
2 fresh lemon thyme sprigs, leaves only
2 tbsp cold water
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours, plus resting
Serves 4
- Remove any strings from the lamb and un-roll. Place it fat side down on a board.
- Place the capers, garlic, anchovies and the thyme leaves into a mini processor or use a pestle and mortar and blitz or pound to make a coarse paste. Spread the paste over the meat-side of the lamb. Re-roll the lamb to form its original shape and tie with kitchen string at 2cm intervals.
- Place the meat in the slow cooker dish and drizzle over the water. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.
- Remove the lamb from the slow cooker, place on a board and leave to rest for 10 minutes before carving into thick slices, discarding the string. Serve with roasted new potatoes and dollops of Greek yogurt.
Fab for the freezer, make in advance and freeze either raw or cooked for up to three months. Either way, defrost thoroughly before use.
When the weather outside is frightful….there are few things better than battening down the hatches, retreating indoors and slamming the door behind you, then getting snug and warm preparing a deliciously nourishing, steamy bowl of something. This recipe does just that. I wrote it many years ago for Delicious Magazine and you can