Roast shoulder of lamb with herbs and honey

This is a great recipe for lamb shoulder. The honey and mixture of herbs give the lamb great flavour and by allowing it to cook slowly the meat just falls of the bone.

Ingredients

• 1.4kg/3lb shoulder of lamb, trimmed
• handful dried camomile (or contents of 4 camomile teabags)
• ½ bunch fresh thyme, leaves only
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves only
• 12 fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, juice only
• 1 tbsp good quality hone
• 2 tbsp olive oil or sunflower oil
• 150ml/4fl oz water

Preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
2. Use a sharp knife and score the shoulder of lamb cross hatching the entire surface. Make sure the scores are not too deep. They should only go through the outer layer of the skin and the fat.
3. Mix the dried camomile, the thyme, rosemary, sage and oregano together in a bowl. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Press a handful of the herb mixture into the skin of the lamb, massaging it in well all over the flesh of the lamb.
5. Sprinkle some of the herb mixture across the bottom of a casserole with a lid. Place the lamb into the casserole, then squeeze the lemon juice over the top, before sprinkling with any remaining herb mix.
6. Drizzle the honey over the top of the lamb and pour over a little olive oil.
7. Pour the water into the casserole, then put the lid on. Transfer to the oven and cook for 2½ hours. Check the dish after one hour – the lamb should be taking on a little colour. If the water has evaporated, add a little more to maintain the dish’s moisture.
8. After the 2½ hours cooking the lamb meat should pull away easily from the bone.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 4-5 minutes.
10. To serve, using a knife and fork, pull large pieces of meat away from the bone and arrange on a large serving place. Drizzle the meat with any pan juices and allow guests to help themselves.