Roasted Lamb with Homemade Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) lamb shoulder, bone-in 2 pounds (900g) lamb shoulder, bone-in
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the pasta: For the pasta:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• Water, as needed Water, as needed
• For serving: For serving:
• Fresh parsley, chopped Fresh parsley, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Rub the lamb shoulder with the garlic mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Place the lamb in a roasting pan and add the rosemary and thyme sprigs.
5. 5.
   Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast for 2 hours.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, prepare the homemade pasta. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and eggs. Mix until a dough forms, adding water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
7. 7.
   On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes elastic.
8. 8.
   Roll out the dough thinly and cut it into small, rustic shapes known as "šurlice."
9. 9.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, approximately 5-7 minutes.
10. 10.
    Once the lamb is tender, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until the lamb develops a crispy, golden-brown crust.
11. 11.
    Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
12. 12.
    Serve the roasted lamb with the homemade pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb shoulder — For the best results, choose a lamb shoulder with a good amount of marbling, as this will ensure a tender and flavorful roast.
• Homemade pasta — Be sure to roll out the pasta dough thinly to achieve the desired texture. If the dough is too sticky, dust it with flour while rolling. Additionally, do not overcook the pasta to maintain its al dente texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors of the lamb, marinate it overnight in the garlic mixture before roasting.
• If you prefer a more pronounced herb flavor, finely chop the rosemary and thyme leaves and mix them into the garlic mixture.
• For a touch of acidity, serve the dish with a side of lemon wedges.
• If you don't have the time to make homemade pasta, you can substitute it with store-bought pasta of your choice.
• Leftover roasted lamb can be used in sandwiches or salads for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Roasted Lamb with Homemade Pasta as the centerpiece of a festive dinner. Accompany it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to complete the meal. Don't forget to pour a glass of full-bodied red wine to enhance the flavors of the lamb.

Presentation advice

Arrange the slices of roasted lamb on a platter, surrounded by a bed of the homemade pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the dish family-style, allowing guests to help themselves to the tender lamb and flavorful pasta.