Hearty Mediterranean Lamb Casserole
This comforting Mediterranean-inspired lamb casserole is perfect for chilly evenings. Adapted from a classic lamb shank recipe, it's infused with rich flavors from tomatoes, anchovies, and aromatic herbs. The tender lamb simmers to perfection in a velvety sauce that's great for dipping and soaking up with crusty bread. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant green beans for a complete meal that will warm your heart and soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
lamb
1 kg (diced)
plain flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
dry white wine
3/4 cup
beef bouillon cubes
2 cubes (dissolved in 3/4 cup hot water)
diced tomatoes
2 (440 g) cans
anchovy fillets
1 (45 g) can (diced well)
carrot
1 medium (diced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
dried chili pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
fresh basil
1 sprig (for seasoning)
olives
6 (diced well)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the diced lamb with salt and pepper, then coat it evenly in plain flour, ensuring every piece is covered.
2
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured lamb and sear until browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the lamb from the pan and set it aside.
3
In the same pan, add the crushed garlic, diced onion, and carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4
Pour in the dry white wine and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
5
Reduce heat and add the dissolved beef bouillon, diced tomatoes, anchovies, chili flakes (or fresh chili peppers), and a sprig of fresh basil. Stir well to combine.
6
Return the browned lamb to the pan, stirring to mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil once more, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low.
7
Allow the casserole to simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure it doesn't stick by adjusting the heat as necessary.
8
Once the lamb is fork-tender, stir in the diced olives and balsamic vinegar, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
9
Serve the casserole hot with your choice of sides, such as fluffy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Mediterranean Lamb Casserole?
It is a comforting lamb dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors, featuring rich tomatoes, anchovies, aromatic herbs, and olives.
How long does it take to cook this lamb casserole?
The casserole requires approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of gentle simmering until the lamb is fork-tender.
What cut of lamb is best for this recipe?
Diced lamb shoulder or leg works best as these cuts become very tender during the long simmering process.
Why are anchovies included in a lamb recipe?
Anchovies melt into the sauce and provide a deep umami flavor and richness without making the dish taste fishy.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It is delicious served with creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, and crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can use the suggested 1/2 teaspoon of dried chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers for more heat.
Is the lamb floured before cooking?
Yes, the diced lamb is seasoned and coated in plain flour to help brown the meat and thicken the sauce.
What type of wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan and add acidity.
Can I substitute the white wine?
You can use red wine for a richer flavor or extra beef stock with a splash of lemon juice as a non-alcoholic alternative.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base is made with diced onions, carrots, and crushed garlic sautéed in olive oil.
When do I add the olives?
Add the diced olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking to let the flavors meld without making them too soft.
What does balsamic vinegar do for the recipe?
It is added at the end to provide a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the rich, savory flavors.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
The recipe specifically calls for a sprig of fresh basil to be added during the simmering process.
How much lamb is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 kg of diced lamb.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is described as a hearty comfort food perfect for chilly evenings and winter weather.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, sear the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low.
How do I ensure the meat doesn't stick to the pan?
Stir the casserole occasionally while it simmers and adjust the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle bubble.
What kind of bouillon is used?
The recipe uses 2 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 3/4 cup of hot water.
Can I use whole tomatoes instead of diced?
Yes, but you should break them up with a spoon while cooking to ensure a smooth sauce consistency.
How many cans of tomatoes are required?
You will need two 440g cans of diced tomatoes.
What type of oil should I use for searing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is recommended for browning the lamb and sautéing the vegetables.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, like many casseroles, the flavors often improve if made a day ahead and reheated gently.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 15 items, including seasonings.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is seasoning the diced lamb and coating it evenly in plain flour.
Should I peel the carrots?
While not explicitly stated, it is common practice to peel carrots before dicing them for a casserole.
What is the purpose of scraping the pan after adding wine?
This process, called deglazing, incorporates the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan into the sauce for extra flavor.
Can I use lamb shanks instead of diced lamb?
Yes, this recipe is actually adapted from a classic lamb shank recipe, though cooking times may vary for whole shanks.
How do I know when the casserole is finished?
The dish is ready when the lamb is fork-tender and the sauce has reached a velvety consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store it in an airtight container once cooled.
What is the final seasoning step?
The final step involves stirring in diced olives and balsamic vinegar for the last 5 minutes of simmering.