Low & slow lamb shoulder with harissa chick peas & feta yogurt

Step by Step

Step 1

Slash the lamb a few times all over. Mix a few thyme sprigs, the tagine spices (from all 3 sachets) and 1 tbsp oil, then rub all over the meat. Sit it on top of the onions and garlic in a large roasting tin, then (if time) marinate in the fridge overnight. If not, no problem.

Step 2

Remove the lamb from the fridge 30 minutes before starting to cook. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Roast the lamb for 30 minutes until golden, then tip in 500ml boiling water from the kettle. Lower the oven to 160°C, gas mark 3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2½ hours.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat a large frying pan. Fry the aubergines in 1 tbsp oil for 10-15 minutes. Once soft and golden, stir in a little more thyme plus the tomato paste. Leave to caramelise for 1 minute. Mix in the chick peas, harissa and honey then set aside. Stir the feta into the yogurt, season and chill.

Step 4

Spoon off the excess fat from the meat juices. Add the chick pea mix to the roasting tin, re-cover and bake for 2 hours until the lamb melts from the bone and the aubergines collapse into the sauce. Serve with more thyme leaves, the feta yogurt, plus a green salad and flatbreads.