Dinner: Lamb with Preserved Lemons

Recipe by chef Jessica Boncutter of Bar Jules in San Francisco CA Serve this hearty entrée with boiled potatoes and steamed carrots.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Lamb with Preserved Lemons

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

5 pounds boneless well-trimmed lamb shoulder, cut into 2 1/2- to 3-inch cubes
Coarse kosher salt
2 medium onions, halved, sliced
2 preserved lemons,* quartered
1 large head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled (about 21)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro plus additional for garnish
1 tablespoon cumin seeds, coarsely ground in spice mill
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled butter, diced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 °F. Sprinkle lamb all over with coarse salt and pepper. Arrange in single layer in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Combine onions, lemons, garlic, 3 tablespoons cilantro, and cumin seeds in processor. Blend to smooth puree. Add 2/3 cup water and blend again. Pour puree evenly over lamb. Stir briefly to coat lamb with puree. Scatter butter evenly over.
Bake lamb, uncovered, until very tender, 4 to 4 1/2 hours. Using slotted spoon, transfer lamb to bowl. Tilt baking dish and spoon off fat from surface of sauce. Return lamb to sauce; stir to blend. Season stew to taste with salt and pepper. do ahead Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill stew, uncovered, until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Rewarm, covered, in 350 °F oven 30 minutes.
Sprinkle lamb with additional chopped cilantro and serve.
Lemons soaked in salt and lemon juice for several weeks; available at specialty foods stores and Middle Eastern markets, and from igourmet. com.

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