SICILIAN LAMB SPEZZATINO WITH SAFFRON AND MINT

Sicilian Lamb Spezzatino With Saffron and Mint image

This simple stovetop lamb stew is seasoned with only a pinch of saffron and a splash of wine, then showered with lots of chopped mint. Once assembled, this fragrant stew takes only about an hour to cook. It has a bright-flavored lightness that makes it ideal for these balmy evenings. I served it with plain boiled potatoes - nothing more was needed.

Provided by David Tanis

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

4 pounds lamb shoulder chops cut 2 inches thick
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups diced red onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch of saffron
2 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint

Steps:

Season chops generously with salt and pepper. Put olive oil in a wide deep skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown lamb on both sides, then remove and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add onion to pan and season with salt. Cook, stirring, until softened and lightly colored, about 5 minutes.
Stir garlic, saffron and tomato paste into onions and cook 1 minute. Add wine and simmer for 2 minutes, then return lamb to skillet. Add 4 cups water, just to cover meat, and bring to a boil. Put on lid, turn heat to low and simmer gently for about 45 minutes, until quite tender.
Remove lid and raise heat to a rapid simmer. Simmer until juices have reduced by nearly half and sauce has thickened somewhat (may be prepared ahead to this point). Taste and adjust seasoning. Just before serving, reheat and stir in chopped mint.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 947, UnsaturatedFat 39 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 74 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 52 grams, SaturatedFat 29 grams, Sodium 991 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams