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Roast Lamb with Artichokes and Lemons

This slow-cooked roast lamb with artichokes and lemons is a sophisticated yet simple choice for a nutritious Sunday lunch. This diabetes-friendly main course focuses on high-quality protein and heart-healthy fats, swapping heavy gravies for a bright, punchy anchovy and herb oil. The lamb shoulder becomes incredibly tender during the long roasting process, while the artichokes absorb the savoury juices and acidity from the citrus, creating a wonderfully balanced plate of food.

Ideal for those following a Mediterranean-style diet, this dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and packed with fresh flavours. The addition of anchovies adds a deep umami seasoning that perfectly complements the rich meat without the need for excessive salt. Serve this impressive roast with a side of steamed seasonal greens or a crisp salad for a complete, wholesome meal that feels truly celebratory.

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Ingredients for Roast Lamb with Artichokes and Lemons

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1 5–3.2kg bone-in lamb shoulder

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 475ml dry white wine

  • 1 400g can whole peeled tomatoes

  • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise

  • 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 2 lemons, halved crosswise

  • 6 baby artichokes

  • 120ml olive oil

  • 4 anchovy fillets, packed in oil, drained

  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves

  • 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • Kosher salt

How to make Roast Lamb with Artichokes and Lemons

Preheat oven to 325°. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Generously season lamb on all sides with salt and pepper and cook, turning often, until well browned, 12–15 minutes. Transfer lamb and oil to a roasting pan.

Carefully add wine to skillet, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by one-third, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, crushing with your hands, garlic, red pepper flakes, and 475ml water and pour into roasting pan. Squeeze lemons over lamb; add to pan. Roast 3 hours.

Meanwhile, remove tough dark outer leaves from artichokes. Using a serrated knife, trim 1" from top. Trim stems and remove tough outer layer with a vegetable peeler. Halve artichokes lengthwise. Toss to coat with pan juices and tuck under and around lamb. Roast, turning artichokes occasionally, until artichokes are tender and meat is falling off the bone, 1 1/2–2 hours. (Remove artichokes if they become too soft before meat is done.)

Pulse oil, anchovies, garlic, parsley, mint, and red pepper flakes in a food processor until smooth; season with salt.

When done, place lamb in a large bowl and transfer artichokes, lemons, and garlic with a slotted spoon to bowl. Pour anchovy-herb oil over; tent with foil. Transfer pan juices to a glass measuring cup. Let sit a few minutes, then spoon off fat from surface. Serve lamb with artichoke mixture and pan juices.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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