A fragrant combination of spices adds depth of flavour to this slow-cooked lamb. Marinate it in advance if time allows.
Ingredients
For the lamb
- 1–1.2kg boneless lamb shoulder
- 2 cups orange juice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 2 tablespoons water
For the middle eastern spice rub
- 4 cloves garlic – crushed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
For the mint yoghurt
- 250g plain yoghurt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
Method
For the middle eastern roast lamb
- To make the Middle Eastern Spice Rub, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Massage generously into the lamb shoulder, cover and leave to marinate for a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 210°C (190°C fan bake).
- Place the lamb in a roasting dish and roast uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Pour the orange juice around the lamb and reduce the temperature to 140°C (120°C fan bake). Cover and cook for 2½ hours.
- To make the Mint Yoghurt, combine the yoghurt and mint in a small bowl. Refrigerate until needed.
- To make the sauce, combine the stock, soy sauce and tomato paste in a saucepan and simmer until reduced by half.
- When the lamb is cooked, transfer it to a warm plate, cover with foil and leave to rest while you finish the sauce.
- Pour half the lamb cooking juices into the reduced stock mixture and simmer for a further 5 minutes. If it seems too runny, mix the cornflour and water to make a slurry and stir in a little at a time until the sauce is thickened to your liking.
- To serve, carve the lamb, drizzle with sauce and serve with the Mint Yoghurt.