Shawarma-Spiced Braised Leg of Lamb

Ingredients for Shawarma-Spiced Braised Leg of Lamb

• 1 (6-pound) bone-in leg of lamb, shank attached, frenched

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds

• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds

• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds

• 2 Thai chillies, very finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, finely grated

• 120ml olive oil

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds

• 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon ancho chilli powder

• 1 tablespoon chipotle chilli powder

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 (800g) can crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• Kosher salt

• Herb Salad with Pickled Red Onion and Preserved Lemon (for serving)

• A spice mill or a mortar and pestle

How to make Shawarma-Spiced Braised Leg of Lamb

Trim excess fat from lamb and remove any membrane. Lightly score flesh with a knife and pat dry with paper towels. Season lamb very generously with salt and pepper; place on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet.

Grind cumin, caraway, and coriander seeds in a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle to a powder. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in chillies, garlic, oil, paprika, and cinnamon; rub all over lamb. Chill uncovered on wire rack 12–24 hours.

Let lamb sit to come to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 232°C. Roast lamb until well browned all over, 20–25 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 121°C.

Meanwhile, grind caraway and coriander seeds in a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle to a powder.

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium (if lamb doesn't fit in the pot you have, set a roasting pan over two burners instead). Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 5–7 minutes. Add ancho chilli powder, chipotle chilli powder, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and ground seeds and stir to coat onion. Cook, stirring, until spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and broth and bring liquid to a simmer; season lightly with salt.

Carefully place lamb in pot and add just enough water to cover if it is not submerged. Cover pot and braise lamb in oven until meat is very tender and bone wiggles easily in the joint, 4 1/2–5 1/2 hours. (If using a roasting pan, add water as needed so liquid comes halfway up side of leg, cover with foil, and turn lamb once during braising.) Transfer lamb to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.

Increase heat to medium-high and bring braising liquid to a boil; cook, stirring often to prevent sticking, until reduced by half, 25–30 minutes. Taste sauce and season with salt if needed. Spoon over lamb. Serve with Herb Salad alongside.

Lamb can be braised 2 days ahead. Keep in braising liquid; cover and chill. Reheat, covered, over medium-low until liquid is simmering and meat is warmed through.

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.