Make this hearty, comforting and savory stew for your family on those cold days. It's really easy and is definitely worth the wait. And, it's always better the next day!
1/4 c. vegetable oil
flour, for dredging
2 1/2 lb. lamb shoulder, cut into 2 inch cubes, or pre-cut lamb stew meat
4 t. kosher salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 T. unsalted butter
2 medium onions, cut into six pieces
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. tomato paste
10 c. cold water, or low-sodium chicken stock/broth (or less, if desired)
6 sprigs parsley
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 1/4 lb. medium red potatoes, quartered
4 medium carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into 1 inch pieces
7 canned whole, peeled tomatoes, lightly crushed
1 T. red wine vinegar
Heat a large Dutch oven (that is oven-safe) with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat; pour in oil to fill it about 1/4 inch deep.
Spread flour out on a plate/platter or on waxed paper.
Season half of the lamb with 1 t. salt and pepper, to taste; dredge in the flour; shake off excess. Cook, uncovered, stirring only occasionally, until well browned, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meat to a plate/platter. Repeat with the remaining lamb. Discard the oil; wipe out the pot.
Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Return pot to the stove; melt butter over medium-high heat; add onion; cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Return lamb to the pot; add water or stock/broth bring to a simmer.
Using a piece of kitchen twine, tie together parsley, thyme, and bay leaves; add the bundle to the pot. Stir in the remaining 2 t. salt and pepper. Cover; transfer to the oven. Stew the meat until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
Remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid with a ladle. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and tomatoes; bring to a simmer; cook stew, uncovered, on top of the stove until liquid has thickened and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Remove; discard herb bundle. Stir in the vinegar.
Serve immediately.
4 - 6 servings.