Apple cider, when simmered gently with lamb shoulder chops, leeks and a handful of prunes, creates a delicious sauce in this easy family meal.
In a stovetop‐proof casserole dish brown the lamb chops well in a dash of oil. Set aside. Add a dash more oil to the pan and lightly brown the leeks and garlic. Stir in the cider
and simmer until reduced by half. Return the lamb to the casserole dish, scatter over the prunes, apple slices and marjoram and cover.
Simmer on top of the stove for 1 hour or until the meat is tender. Alternatively bake at
160ºC for 1‐1½ hours.
Season with pepper and a pinch of sugar if you find the cider too acidic. Garnish with extra fresh‐picked marjoram leaves. Delicious with baked or mashed pumpkin.
Tips
Season meat just before cooking. In this case before browning the lamb shoulder chops to give maximum flavour.
Add prunes or raisins to beef or lamb dishes for a touch of sweetness ‐ and added fibre.
Variations
Use lamb neck chops.
Replace the cider with stock. Use pears in place of apples.
