Slow-Braised Lamb with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout
Tender lamb slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce with briny olives and fresh herbs, capturing the essence of Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 170 minutes pairs pounds bone-in lamb shoulder, tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup, pitted and halved Kalamata olives
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder, searing on all sides for 5-7 minutes until deeply browned, then remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and cook for 3 minutes until reduced by half.
- Step 4: Add 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Return lamb to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Add 1 cup water, cover with the lid, and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2 1/2 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
- Step 6: Remove rosemary and thyme sprigs before serving. Serve lamb with the tomato and olive ragout spooned over, accompanied by crusty bread or roasted vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Braised Lamb with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Slow-Braised Lamb with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout?
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 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Lamb with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout?
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 Slow-Braised Lamb with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Slow-Braised Lamb with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Ragout?
Mediterranean 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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