Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, cut into thick rounds
- 1.5 lbs baby gold potatoes, halved
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 3 cups low-sodium beef stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Pat the lamb chunks dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb in batches until a deep brown crust forms on all sides, then transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until the paste turns a deep brick red.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the caramelized bits (fond).
- Pour the wine mixture over the lamb in the slow cooker.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, rosemary, thyme, and the bay leaf to the pot.
- Pour the low-sodium stock over the top until ingredients are submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the lamb is fork-tender.