Braised Lamb with Carrots
Braised Lamb with Carrots is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender, slow-braised lamb shoulder with sweet, perfectly cooked carrots in a rich, savory sauce enhanced by aromatic herbs and red wine or broth. This one-pot recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth lamb and balanced flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat
- 1.5 to 2 lbs lamb shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
Vegetables
- 4 to 5 fresh carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup red wine or beef/vegetable broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- Prep the Lamb and Vegetables: Trim excessive fat from the lamb shoulder, keeping enough for flavor. Peel and cut carrots into bite-sized chunks, dice onions, and mince garlic to release aroma during cooking.
- Brown the Lamb: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb on all sides until beautifully browned with crusty edges. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Carrots: In the same pot, add onions and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant. Add carrots and stir for a few minutes to begin softening and caramelizing their sugars.
- Deglaze and Add Braising Liquids: Pour in red wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping caramelized bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce slightly to concentrate flavors.
- Add Herbs and Lamb, Then Simmer: Return lamb to the pot nestled among the vegetables. Add rosemary and thyme sprigs. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours until lamb is tender and carrots melt in your mouth.
- Final Adjustments and Serving: Check seasoning with salt and pepper. If sauce is too thin, remove lamb and carrots, simmer liquid uncovered to thicken. Serve warm, spooning sauce over the lamb and carrots.
Notes
- Choose lamb shoulder for its fat content and connective tissue that becomes tender with braising.
- Ensure proper browning to build flavor layers and avoid blandness.
- Maintain a low simmer to keep meat tender without drying.
- Add fresh rosemary and thyme towards the end for vibrant herb flavors.
- Allow dish to rest off heat before serving to meld flavors.
- For sauce thickening, simmer uncovered or use a cornstarch slurry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: braised lamb, lamb shoulder, carrots, slow cooked lamb, savory lamb dish, one-pot meal, comfort food, Mediterranean lamb