The Auchtermuchtie Policeman's Lamb Stew

Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 lbs lamb chops, at least 1 inch thick
• 6 carrots, peeled cut into large chunks
• 6 onions, peeled and cut into quarters (through the root)
• 30 fluid ounces lamb stock or 30 fluid ounces chicken stock
• 8 -12 potatoes, peeled and cut into big chunks (more if you like!)
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (optional)
• 1 tablespoon plain flour (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

Recipe

• 1 preheat the oven to 350°f (optional).
• 2 cut any large chops in half and trim off all the excess fat, then render down the fat over a gentle heat in a heavy-based frying pan.
• 3 discard the rendered down pieces.
• 4 toss the chops into the pan and cook until lightly browned, turning occasionally.
• 5 transfer to a plate, and then quickly toss the onions into the fat and then the carrots.
• 6 build the lamb, carrots and onions up in layers in a large casserole dish, seasoning each layer as you go.
• 7 de-glaze the pan with stock and pour into the casserole.
• 8 lay the potatoes on top, so they can steam while the stew cooks.
• 9 season, then add the thyme and bring to the boil on top of the stove.
• 10 cover with the lid of the casserole.
• 11 transfer to the oven or allow to simmer on top of the stove for 1-1½ hours until the stew is completely cooked.
• 12 when the stew is cooked, carefully pour off the cooking liquid into another pan, skim off the grease and re-heat.
• 13 if you want to thicken the sauce slightly you can make a roux with the butter and flour.
• 14 simply, melt the butter in a small pan and stir in the flour, then cook for 1-2 minutes on a low heat, stirring.
• 15 whisk into the sauce, a little at a time until you have achieved the desired consistency.
• 16 season to taste and add the parsley and chives.
• 17 pour the sauce back into the casserole and bring back to boiling point on top of the stove.