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Brasileiro Slow Braised Shoulder 2

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Brasileiro Slow Braised Shoulder 2

Brasileiro Slow Braised Shoulder 2 is a staple of Brazilian home cooking, crafted with an intuitive touch that relies on the seasoned hand of the cook. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients, coming together to create something greater than their parts. It’s the kind of meal that finds its place on the table during leisurely weekend gatherings, where time is measured by conversation rather than clocks.

The result is tender lamb infused with the earthy warmth of cumin and the sweetness of slowly softened onions, enveloped in a rich, savory broth. The flavors are both comforting and complex, inviting diners to savor each bite and share in the communal spirit of a Brazilian home-cooked meal. The generous use of salt and fat ensures a depth of flavor that is unmistakably authentic.

Ingredients

  • 1.2 kglamb shoulder
  • 2onions
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • 500 mlwater
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by seasoning the 1.2 kg lamb shoulder generously with fine sea salt and black pepper. Sprinkle 1 tsp of cumin evenly over the meat, ensuring all sides are coated. This step infuses the lamb with flavor and helps to tenderize it during cooking.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the lamb shoulder. Brown it on all sides, turning carefully with tongs, until it develops a deep, rich color. This step is crucial for building flavor, as the caramelization adds depth to the dish.
  3. Remove the browned lamb from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add 2 roughly chopped onions. Stir them occasionally, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the onions are soft and translucent. This process should take about 5 minutes and will add sweetness and complexity to the braising liquid.
  4. Return the lamb to the pot with the onions. Pour in 500 ml of water, ensuring the lamb is partially submerged. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it braise slowly. The lamb is done when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart, which indicates that the connective tissues have broken down.
  5. Once the lamb is tender, taste the braising liquid and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. The flavors should be well-balanced, with a hint of cumin and the sweetness of the onions.
  6. Serve the Brasileiro Slow Braised Shoulder 2 with your choice of rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. The dish should be moist and aromatic, perfect for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Brazilian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Brazilian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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