This Braised lamb with gnocchi recipe is the perfect shareable main for your next dinner party. Marinated in an anchovy and rosemary mix, the soft lamb just melts in your mouth. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Serves66
Cook time4 hr 15 mins4 hour 15 minutes
Prep time20 mins20 minutes, + cooling time
+ cooling time
Ingredients
3 garlic cloves
4 rosemary sprigs, leaves removed
4 anchovies
1 tbs red wine vinegar
1 Coles Australian Lamb Boneless Shoulder Roast (about 1.1kg)
Plain flour, for dusting
1 tbs olive oil
1 cup (250ml) dry white wine
2 cups (500ml) salt-reduced chicken stock
Gnocchi
2¼ cups (560ml) full-cream milk
¾ cup (135g) semolina
60g butter, chopped
1¼ cups (100g) finely grated parmesan
2 Coles Australian Free Range Egg yolks
20g butter, melted, extra
Check ingredient labels to make sure they meet your specific dietary requirements and always consult a health professional before changing your diet. View dietary information here.
Percentage Daily Intake information on our recipes is calculated using the nutrition reference values for an average Australian adult.
Method
Step 1
Position a rack in the centre of the oven and preheat to 150°C (130°C fan-forced). In a food processor, process the garlic, rosemary leaves, anchovies, vinegar and a pinch of pepper until a thick paste forms.
Step 2
Season the lamb and dust with flour, patting off any excess. Heat oil in a large heavy-based ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat. Add lamb and cook, turning, for 8-10 mins or until golden brown all over. Transfer lamb to a plate and coat with the anchovy mixture.
Step 3
Drain any fat from pan and place over medium-high heat. Add the wine and cook for 3 mins or until the liquid reduces by half. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Return the lamb to the pan. Cover and roast, turning halfway through cooking, for 3 hours. Cook, uncovered, for a further 30 mins or until lamb is pull-apart tender and browned on top. Loosely cover with foil to keep warm and set aside to rest.
Step 4
Meanwhile, to make the gnocchi, line a 20cm (base measurement) square baking tray with plastic wrap, allowing some overhang. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring milk and 1 tsp salt to just below a simmer. Slowly pour in the semolina, whisking constantly as mixture thickens. Cook, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula, for 3-5 mins or until mixture is thick and pulls away from the side of the pan. Set aside for 2 mins to cool slightly. Add the butter, ¾ cup (60g) parmesan and the egg yolks. Stir well to combine.
Step 5
Transfer gnocchi mixture to the prepared baking tray and spread to form an even layer. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and press down to smooth the surface. Chill for 1 hour or until gnocchi mixture is cold and firm.
Step 6
While the lamb is resting, increase oven temperature to 230°C (210°C fan-forced). Transfer gnocchi mixture to a chopping board. Cut into 12 pieces. Brush the base of a 33cm x 23cm rimmed baking tray with melted butter. Arrange gnocchi in the tray and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan and bake for 20-25 mins or until golden and crisp.
Step 7
Use a spoon to skim off any fat at the top of the braising liquid. Use 2 forks to shred the lamb. Divide the lamb and gnocchi among serving plates. Drizzle with the braising liquid to serve.
