Xai a la Cervesa
Lamb in Beer
A hearty and flavorful dish where tender lamb is slow-cooked in a rich sauce infused with Andorran beer, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This recipe highlights the combination of local lamb with the malty notes of beer, creating a unique and comforting meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder or leg(cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Large onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(chopped)
- 330 ml Andorran beer(a flavorful, malty variety)
- 1 cup Beef or vegetable broth
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Trim excess fat from the lamb chunks and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chunks until browned on all sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Remove the lamb and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Pour the Andorran beer into the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon (deglazing).
- 5
Return the seared lamb to the pot. Add the beef or vegetable broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
- 6
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the lamb simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- 8
Serve the Xai a la Cervesa hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose a beer with a good malty flavor, such as a Märzen or a Belgian Dubbel, for a richer taste.
- ✓Slow and low cooking is key to tender lamb.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes or by making a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water and stirring it into the simmering stew.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the vegetables for added depth of flavor.
- Include other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.