Sicilian-style braised lamb is a hearty, winter-friendly recipe rooted in the rustic traditions of southern Italy. Slow-cooked until tender, lamb is infused with fragrant herbs, garlic, and rich Italian olive oil, creating a comforting dish perfect for cold evenings. Inspired by classic Sicilian cooking, this recipe highlights simple Italian ingredients and time-honored techniques that bring deep, warming flavor to the table.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, cut into large chunks
- 3 tablespoons Italian extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup dry Italian red wine
- 1½ cups beef or lamb stock
- 1 (14 oz) can Italian tomatoes, crushed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: lemon zest or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the lamb
Pat the lamb dry and season it generously with pepper and salt. This step ensures proper browning and builds flavor, an essential technique in Italian cooking.
2. Brown the meat
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb in moderately sized batches, browning on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside. Browning creates a rich base for the braise.
3. Build the aromatic base
Lower the stove heat to medium and add the onion to the same pot. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, for about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant. Add rosemary, oregano, and bay leaves to release their oils.
4. Deglaze and braise
Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the crushed Italian tomatoes and stock, then return the lamb to the pot.
5. Slow-cook to perfection
Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 2½–3 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Finish and serve
Remove the herbs and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For a bright Sicilian touch, add a pinch of lemon zest just before serving.
Serving Tips
Serve this Sicilian braised lamb with creamy polenta, roasted potatoes, or crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce. The slow cooking and authentic Italian ingredients make this dish a true celebration of Italian winter comfort food—perfect for sharing around the table on a chilly night.
