Ingredients
- 2 kg lamb shoulder (bone-in, trimmed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (crushed)
- 2 oranges zested and juiced
- 2 lemons zested and juiced
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 bunch fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
5 steps
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix together the cinnamon, crushed fennel seeds, garlic, orange zest, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.Marinate the Lamb
Rub the marinade all over the lamb shoulder, ensuring it's well coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Cover the lamb with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
A slow roast requires a consistent low temperature for tender meat.Roast the Lamb
Place the marinated lamb in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth around it. Cover the pan with foil and roast for 4 hours.
Baste the lamb with the juices every hour for even cooking.Finish and Serve
Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) for the last 30 minutes to brown the lamb. Let it rest before slicing.
Serve garnished with fresh thyme and drizzled with pan juices.
💡 Tips & Tricks
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your turkish meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Slow-Roast Lamb with Cinnamon, Fennel & Citrus Recipe is a beloved dish from Turkish cuisine.
Turkish cuisine is a fascinating blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. It's considered one of the three great cuisines in the world alongside French and Chinese.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, leg of lamb or lamb shanks can also be used, but cooking times may vary.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
