Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze

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

Tender slow-roasted lamb shoulder finished with a tangy and sweet pomegranate molasses glaze, inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. This middle eastern-inspired hanukkah ready in about 215 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, pomegranate molasses, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 195 min Serves 8 Middle Eastern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4 lb bone-in lamb shoulder all over with the spice mixture, massaging thoroughly to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil; slow roast in the oven for 3 hours until the meat is very tender and falling off the bone.
  4. Step 4: Remove the foil and brush 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses evenly over the lamb, then increase oven temperature to 425°F and roast uncovered for 15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  5. Step 5: Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving, spooning any pan juices over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 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 Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

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 Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

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 Pomegranate Molasses Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

Middle Eastern hanukkah 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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