Ingredients

1 boneless leg of lamb , shank end , trimmed and tied
salt & fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 medium garlic cloves , peeled and sliced thin
1/2 cup pitted green olives
4 slices lemon zest , see Removing Strips of Citrus Zest
1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
This Moroccan-Spiced Leg of Lamb En Cocotte With Olives is a classic Moroccan dish. Moroccans are known for their spices, and this dish is no exception. It is a traditional family meal and is served on special occasions such as weddings and family gatherings. The lamb is marinated in a mixture of spices overnight, slow-cooked with sliced garlic, and finished with the addition of olives, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick. The result is an absolutely delicious meal that is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. This Lamb En Cocotte With Olives is best served with warm pita bread and labneh on the side.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2.Season lamb with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy cocotte over medium-high heat.
3.Add lamb and sear until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
4.Add garlic and olives to the cocotte, cook for 1 minute.
5.Add lemon zest, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick and cumin seeds in the cocotte. Stir to combine and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6.Return the lamb to the cocotte, nestling it into the spices and olives mixture. Cover with a lid.
7.Bake in the oven for about 2 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender.
8.Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
9.Serve hot with warm pita bread and labneh.

PROS

This Moroccan-Spiced Leg of Lamb En Cocotte With Olives recipe is a flavor explosion with the perfect balance of spices and tenderness of the lamb.
It is perfect for a special occasion or simply a comforting family meal.

The olives give a delicious salty tang, and the cinnamon stick adds warmth to the flavor.

All the flavors do a dance in your mouth, and nothing will satisfy your cravings more than this dish.

CONS

The recipe is quite laborious and time-consuming.
It’s not for the faint-hearted and requires great effort and patience.
Lamb can also be expensive, so this dish is not an everyday meal.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lamb is an excellent source of protein and provides many vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12, Zinc, Selenium, Niacin and Phosphorus.
This recipe uses garlic, which is low in calories and high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. Garlic also contains sulfur compounds which are believed to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
Green olives assist with digestion and are a good source of iron and fiber, and can contribute to healthy bones.
Cinnamon is also a good source of antioxidants and has been linked to reducing inflammation in the body.

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