Italian Braised Lamb and Potatoes

Photo: flickr user avlxyz

Ingredients

5 tablespoons Olive oil

1 teaspoon kg Lamb lean boneless from

shoulder cut into 4cm pcs

2 Brown onions

1/2 bn Italian parsley leaves only

3 Garlic cloves crushed

1 Capsicum red cut into strip

250 ml Lamb or beef stock

500 grams Potatoes peeled & cut into

4 cm pieces

60 grams Pecorino grated

Preparation

The potatoes should be yellow, waxy ones, such as Petrones or Desirees.

Heat half the oil in a large heavy pot. Brown lamb well in batches and, using a slotted spoon, remove to a plate. Add remaining oil. Add onion and cook until softened. Add parsley, garlic and capsicum. Return lamb to pot, stir and add stock and freshly ground pepper to taste. (Don't add salt yet as pecorino is a salty cheese) Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add potato and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until lamb is almost tender. Stir in cheese and cook for 10 minutes. Season with freshly ground pepper and salt to taste.

Best if cooked 1 - 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Like all casseroles, it will improve in flavour during the resting period. Great for entertaining, because it can be cooked well in advance, leaving you free to get on with the many chores involved in throwing a party.