Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables
Succulent slow-roasted lamb shoulder seasoned with Australian aniseed myrtle, served alongside caramelized roasted root vegetables. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 280 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, ground aniseed myrtle, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs, bone-in lamb shoulder
- 2 tbsp, ground aniseed myrtle
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces carrots
- 3 large, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces parsnips
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water or stock
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground aniseed myrtle, 4 minced garlic cloves, 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to form a paste.
- Step 2: Rub the aniseed myrtle paste all over the 4 lb lamb shoulder, coating evenly.
- Step 3: Place lamb in a large roasting pan and surround with 3 large peeled and chopped carrots, 3 large peeled and chopped parsnips, and 2 medium peeled and chopped sweet potatoes.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary over the vegetables and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Pour 1 cup water or stock into the roasting pan.
- Step 5: Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 4 hours until the lamb is very tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 6: Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roast for an additional 20 minutes uncovered to brown the lamb and caramelize the vegetables.
- Step 7: Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving with the roasted root vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 280 minutes (20 min prep + 260 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-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables?
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 Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables?
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-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables 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 Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables?
Australian slow cooker 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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