Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the intoxicating aroma of perfectly spiced, melt-in-your-mouth lamb that's been slow-cooked to tender perfection. This isn't just another recipe - this is a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. Our Slow Cooked Lamb Shawarma is a magical dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East right to your dinner table, promising a feast that will transport you to the bustling streets of a traditional marketplace.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the lamb shoulder. Cut the lamb into large chunks, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry spices well to create a spice blend.
- Add the olive oil to the spice mixture and stir until it forms a paste. This will help the spices adhere to the lamb.
- Coat the lamb chunks with the spice paste, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered. You can use your hands for this, but be sure to wash them afterward.
- Once the lamb is well-coated, place it in a slow cooker. Pour the water over the lamb to help create a moist cooking environment.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking method will make the lamb tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 8 hours, check the lamb for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easily shreddable. If it’s not quite there, you can let it cook for an additional hour.
- Once the lamb is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the slow-cooked lamb shawarma warm. It pairs wonderfully with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your choice of sauces such as tahini or yogurt sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade Slow Cooked Lamb Shawarma, perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home!
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Lamb shoulder is ideal because it has enough fat to keep the meat moist during the long, slow cooking process.
- Spice preparation matters: Toast your whole spices before grinding for an extra depth of flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking: The 8-hour slow cook is crucial for developing rich, complex flavors and achieving that fall-apart tenderness.
- Let the meat rest: After cooking, allow the lamb to rest for a few minutes before shredding to help retain its juices.
- Customize your accompaniments: Serve with warm pita, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, or a cooling yogurt sauce to complement the robust meat.
- Make ahead friendly: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
