Irish Lamb and Root Vegetable Pot Roast
A hearty and comforting pot roast featuring tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with a medley of traditional Irish root vegetables in a rich, savory gravy.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder(bone-in or boneless, tied)
- 4 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 medium Parsnips(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 1 medium Swede (rutabaga)(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 large Onions(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic(smashed)
- 500 ml Beef or lamb stock
- 200 ml Red wine(optional, for richer flavor)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1 sprig Fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan/Gas Mark 3).
💡 Tip: A lower temperature ensures tender meat. - 2
Pat the lamb shoulder dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the meat helps achieve a better sear. - 3
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb on all sides until deeply browned.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; sear in batches if necessary. - 4
Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside. Add the onions, carrots, parsnips, swede, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 5
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Gradually pour in the red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it bubble and reduce slightly.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 7
Pour in the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Add the thyme and rosemary sprigs. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure enough liquid to come halfway up the lamb. - 8
Return the lamb to the pot, nestling it amongst the vegetables. Cover tightly with a lid.
💡 Tip: Ensure the lid is a tight fit to retain moisture. - 9
Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook for 3 hours, or until the lamb is very tender and falling off the bone.
⏱️ 3 hours💡 Tip: Check liquid levels halfway through and add a little more stock or water if needed. - 10
Remove the lamb from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving or shredding. Remove herb sprigs.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 11
Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the gravy is too thin, you can simmer it gently on the stovetop to reduce.
💡 Tip: A slotted spoon is useful for skimming fat. - 12
Serve the lamb with the root vegetables and plenty of gravy.
💡 Tip: Delicious served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even richer flavor, marinate the lamb overnight in the red wine with herbs and garlic before searing.
- ✓If you don't have red wine, you can use more stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
- ✓This dish benefits from being made a day ahead; the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like potatoes, celeriac, or turnips.
- For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the gravy.
- Stir in a handful of pearl barley or oats during the last hour of cooking for a thicker stew-like consistency.