Warm-Spiced Saucy Lamb Stew

Ingredients for Warm-Spiced Saucy Lamb Stew

• 1/2 medium head of cauliflower

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 240ml plain whole-milk Greek yoghurt

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped mint

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 2.3kg lamb shanks (about 6), patted dry

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 large red onions, cut into 1" wedges

• 2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise

• 1 (3") stick cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds, crushed

• 3 tablespoons harissa paste

• Torn pitted Castelvetrano olives, mint leaves, and/or finely chopped preserved lemon (for serving

• optional)

Coarsely chop cauliflower and pulse in a food processor until about the size of grains of rice (or, you can very finely chop with a knife instead). You should have about 475ml .

Heat oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Cook cauliflower, stirring often, until golden brown all over and charred in spots, 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat; season with salt and pepper. Let cool in skillet.

Mix yoghurt, mint, and lemon juice in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Season lamb shanks very generously all over with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Working in 2 batches, cook lamb shanks in a single layer, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 8–12 minutes per batch. As the shanks finish cooking, transfer to a large plate.

Reduce heat to medium; add onions and garlic, cut side down, to the same pot and cook, tossing onions occasionally, until onions are browned in spots and garlic is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add cinnamon and crushed coriander and cook, stirring constantly, until spices are very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add harissa paste and cook, stirring often and scraping bottom of pot, until vegetables are coated and paste is slightly darkened in colour, about 2 minutes. Add 1675ml water, stirring to release any bits stuck on bottom of pot. Season generously with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Return lamb shanks to pot and bring stew back up to a simmer. Cover with a lid, leaving slightly askew so steam can escape, and cook, adjusting heat to maintain a very gentle simmer and skimming foam from surface as needed, until meat is tender and easily pulls away from bones, 1 1/2–2 hours.

Transfer lamb shanks to a cutting board and let cool 10–15 minutes; keep liquid at a simmer. Pull meat from bones and tear into bite-size pieces. Add bones back to pot as you go. Transfer meat to a medium bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Simmer bones in broth, uncovered, until liquid is thick and very flavorful, 25–30 minutes. Remove from heat; add meat back to pot and let cool uncovered (bones and all) until no longer steaming. Cover pot and chill stew at least 12 hours (you can skip this step, but it will dramatically improve the flavour).

Uncover stew and spoon off half to three-quarters of fat on the surface; discard. Gently reheat stew until barely simmering. Pluck out and discard bones. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle stew into bowls and serve with Toasted Cauliflower Crumbs, Mint Yoghurt, harissa, and olives, mint leaves, and/or preserved lemon as desired.

Yoghurt can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Stew can be made 3 days ahead. Keep chilled.

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.