Charoset-Spiced Roasted Lamb Shoulder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender roasted lamb shoulder infused with the warm spices and sweet flavors inspired by traditional Passover charoset. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, olive oil, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary to form a spiced marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder thoroughly with the marinade, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Place the lamb in a roasting pan.
  3. Step 3: Mix 1/2 cup red wine, 2 tbsp honey, and the grated flesh of 1 peeled medium apple in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the lamb to baste it during roasting.
  4. Step 4: Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for approximately 3 hours, basting every 45 minutes with the pan juices and apple-wine mixture, until the meat is tender and an internal temperature of 195°F is reached.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charoset-Spiced Roasted Lamb Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charoset-Spiced Roasted Lamb Shoulder?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charoset-Spiced Roasted Lamb Shoulder?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charoset-Spiced Roasted Lamb Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charoset-Spiced Roasted Lamb Shoulder?

Middle Eastern lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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