Jagnjetina sa Šljivama i Jabukama
Lamb with Plums and Apples
A rich and flavorful Montenegrin dish featuring tender lamb slow-cooked with sweet prunes, tart apples, and aromatic spices. This hearty meal is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Red onions(thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 piece Fresh ginger(2-3 cm, peeled and grated)
- 1 small Red chili(deseeded and finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Ras el Hanout
- 900 ml Chicken stock
- 800 g Chopped tomatoes(2 x 400g tins)
- 3 Bay leaves
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 60 ml Tamari(or soy sauce)
- 60 ml Maple syrup
- 200 g Soft prunes
- 2 medium Apples(peeled, cored, and cut into wedges)
- 1 Lime(juice of)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 bunch Fresh coriander(stems chopped, leaves for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the diced lamb generously with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure the lamb is well-coated with seasoning. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 3
Add the sliced red onions to the same pan with a little more oil if needed. Cook until softened and translucent.
- 4
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped red chili, and Ras el Hanout to the pan. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned lamb to the pan. Add the chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, tamari, and maple syrup. Stir to combine.
- 6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly, and cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.
- 7
Add the prunes and apple wedges to the pot. Stir gently.
- 8
Continue to simmer, covered, for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 9
Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: The lime juice adds a touch of brightness to balance the richness. - 10
Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the lamb with spices overnight.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to your preference for heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute dried apricots for prunes.
- Add a handful of toasted almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Use beef or pork shoulder instead of lamb.