American Lamb Shoulder Ragout with Pappardelle

Servings: 12

AmericanLambShoulderRagout.jpg

INGREDIENTS

10 to 12 pounds American Lamb shoulder, bone-in

1/4 cup garlic cloves, mashed

1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon black pepper, cracked

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup shallots, minced

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

1 cup dry red wine

1 quart reserved cooking liquids

1 quart canned tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

3 cups fava beans, blanched (optional)

1/2 cup fresh mixed herbs, chopped

1-1/2 cups, divided parmesan or romano cheese, shredded

3 quarts cooked pappardelle pasta, cooked (1-1/2 pounds dry)

DIRECTIONS

METHOD:

In a large roasting pan, combine lamb shoulder, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper; toss to coat.  Cover pan with foil; slow roast in 275°F convection oven (or 325ºF conventional oven) for 4 to 6 hours or until tender and easy to pull from the bone.  Remove from heat; cool lamb slightly. Place lamb in a hotel pan, cover and cool.

Pour off cooking liquids from roasting pan into a container; chill.  When solidified, remove fat layer from top and discard. Strain cooking liquids; reserve.

Remove meat from bones; discard any bones, fat and sinew.  Shred and/or coarsely chop the meat (should yield approximately 3 quarts).  Cover, chill and reserve.

In a large rondo, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add shallots and garlic; sauté 2 to 3 minutes. Deglaze pan with wine; cook until reduced by one-half.  Add reserved cooking liquids, tomatoes, tomato paste and pepper; bring to a boil. Add lamb to ragout base; simmer sauce for 30 to 60 minutes or until rich and slightly thickened.

Just before serving add fava beans and herbs; return to a simmer.  Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheese; stir to distribute and combine.

To serve:  For each serving, top 1 cup cooked pasta with 1-1/2 cups lamb ragout; sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon of remaining cheese.

Recipe and image provided by the American Lamb Board