Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the most incredible aroma of tender, falling-apart lamb that's been slowly cooking to perfection. This Middle Eastern-inspired Slow Cooker Lamb Shoulder Chops recipe is about to transform your dinner routine from ordinary to extraordinary! With just minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to unlock the secret to the most succulent, flavor-packed lamb dish you've ever tasted!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shoulder chops
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove lamb shoulder chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature.
- Season lamb chops generously with salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear lamb chops for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
- Place chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Transfer seared lamb chops on top of the onion and garlic layer in the slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth around the lamb chops, ensuring they are not completely submerged to maintain meat texture.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove lamb chops and check for tenderness - meat should easily pull apart with a fork.
- Optional: Strain and reduce cooking liquid to create a quick pan sauce if desired.
- Let meat rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your lamb chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Searing is Crucial: Don't skip the searing step! This creates a delicious golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to your dish.
- Liquid Level: Be careful not to completely submerge the lamb chops in broth. A small amount of liquid helps create steam and keeps the meat moist without making it waterlogged.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low heat for 6 hours ensures the lamb becomes incredibly tender and develops rich, complex flavors.
- Resting is Essential: Always let the meat rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and delicious.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Consider reducing the cooking liquid into a quick pan sauce for an extra layer of flavor that will elevate your dish from good to gourmet.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 289kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
