| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hrs 30 mins – 3 hrs | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 460 | 28g | 10g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 30g | 0.7g |
The scale of my passion for the merging of cultures in the kitchen is best showcased in my Indian-inspired recipes, such as the exquisite Braised Lamb with Myrtle Cinnamon. This particular dish truly celebrates my love for combining classic American with familiar Gujarati flavours, creating something that resonates deeply with my dual heritage.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Consider this recipe my culinary love letter to my parents’ Gujarati heritage and my Californian upbringing. As a child, I would often find comfort in the fragrant curries and rice dishes that my mother would prepare. But I also adored the simplicity of grilling fresh cut meats under California’s sunny skies. The Braised Lamb with Myrtle Cinnamon, in this sense, epitomizes the perfect marriage of these two worlds for me. The tender chunks of lamb shoulder pay homage to the hearty American culture while the myrtle leaves and the sweet hint of cinnamon, honey, and fruit are nods to the aromatic Indian dishes of my childhood.
Why This Recipe Is a Healthy Choice
Fusion cooking isn’t merely about creating delectable dishes—it brings to the table an array of health benefits as well. The lamb shoulder in this recipe is an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins, while the cinnamon has been lauded for its potential health benefits, such as reducing blood sugar and combating inflammation. Furthermore, the addition of honey not only lends a natural sweetness to the dish but also comes packed with antioxidants.
And let’s not forget about fruits which lend their natural sweetness to this dish! The incorporation of apples and pears provides a delightful crunch and freshness, and they’re chock-full of dietary fiber and important nutrients, a fantastic way to round off a nutritious meal.
Perfect Pairings
The Braised Lamb with Myrtle Cinnamon can easily be the star on your dining table, but if you’re planning on creating a feast, it pairs beautifully with lightly spiced rice dishes such as Gujarati Garlic Cilantro Rice or a flavorful Indian-spiced roasted vegetables.
Recipes like these breathe life into my beliefs about food, and through each, I’m able to pay homage to the blend of cultures that has shaped who I am today. I hope you enjoy creating and savoring the Braised Lamb with Myrtle Cinnamon just as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of myrtle leaves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1 cup of red wine
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced
Method
Step One
To kick things off, season the chunks of lamb shoulder with salt and black pepper. Make sure to do this evenly so that all sides of the meat are properly seasoned.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once it’s hot, add in the seasoned lamb shoulder and sear until each side is brown. This process helps to seal in the flavors and gives the lamb a stronger taste. Once done, remove the lamb from the pan and set it aside.
Step Three
Using the same pan, add in the chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté them until they become soft and fragrant. Then add in the finely chopped myrtle leaves and cinnamon, stirring to mix them in properly.
Step Four
Next, pour in the red wine, beef broth, and orange juice to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add back the browned lamb and also add in the orange zest. Cover the pan and let it all cook on a low heat for about an hour.
Step Five
In the meantime, prepare the fruits. Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples and pears. You want to make sure these are fully ready to be added in later.
Step Six
After the lamb has been braising in the pan for about an hour, add in the prepared fruits along with 2 tablespoons of honey. Stir everything well, then cover the pan again and allow it to cook for another 30 minutes, until the lamb is fully tender and the fruits break down to form a flavorful sauce for the braised lamb.
Step Seven
And there you have it! Your dish is ready to be served. Ensure to taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. The Braised Lamb with Myrtle Cinnamon goes well with a serving of mashed potatoes or a hot loaf of bread. Enjoy!
