Wild Eats & Treats!

Paleo-Friendly Roasted Lamb Shoulder Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (5-6 pound) lamb shoulder, bone-in
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth or bone broth
• 1 medium onion, thickly sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This will allow you to get an even roast on the lamb shoulder.

2. Prepare the Lamb
   In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, olive oil, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a paste. Rub this paste thoroughly over the entire surface of the lamb shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated.

3. Rest the Lamb
   Allow the seasoned lamb to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking.

4. Vegetable Base
   Place the sliced onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of a large roasting pan. This acts as both a flavor base and a trivet to keep the lamb elevated, allowing heat to circulate and the meat to cook evenly.

5. Add the Lamb to the Pan
   Place the seasoned lamb shoulder on top of the bed of vegetables. Pour the chicken or bone broth into the roasting pan around the lamb, not directly over it, to maintain the crust of the seasoning.

6. Roast the Lamb
   Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 3 to 3.5 hours. The lamb should be fork-tender, with the meat just beginning to fall off the bone.

7. Caramelize
   Remove the foil during the last 20 to 30 minutes of roasting to allow the lamb to brown and develop a rich, caramelized crust.

8. Rest and Serve
   Once cooked, remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest, covered in foil, for at least 15 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its tenderness and flavor. Slice and serve the lamb shoulder with the roasted vegetables from the pan.

Recipe Summary:

Preparation Time: 30 minutes active, plus 3 to 3.5 hours for roasting
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings)

This Paleo-friendly roasted lamb shoulder is not only flavorful but also incredibly juicy and tender. The seasoned crust, combined with the subtly sweet roasted vegetables, provides a delightful meal that is perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re in the mood for something hearty and health-conscious. Enjoy this all-natural feast that pays homage to rustic, simple, yet sophisticated flavors.