🍋 Moroccan-Inspired Braised Lamb Neck with Preserved Lemon & Olives
If you’re craving something rich, rustic, and deeply flavorful, this braised lamb neck dish is a true gem. Infused with Middle Eastern spices, preserved lemon, and briny green olives, it’s a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a soul-satisfying experience. Lamb neck is an underrated cut—tender, gelatinous, and full of flavor when slow-cooked.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs lamb neck slices (bone-in, trimmed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 preserved lemon, quartered and thinly sliced
- 1 cup green olives (pitted or whole)
- 1 cup chicken or lamb broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (or water for alcohol-free option)
🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Lamb:
Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb neck slices on both sides until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed. Set aside.
2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base:
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon stick, and chili flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3️⃣ Deglaze and Simmer:
Return the lamb to the pot. Add the preserved lemon, green olives, broth, and wine (or water). Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze all that flavor.
4️⃣ Braise Low and Slow:
Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
5️⃣ Finish and Serve:
Once done, skim any excess fat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with couscous, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
🍽️ Chef’s Tips
- Preserved lemon is essential for that tangy-salty hit—don’t skip it! You can find jars in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean markets.
- Substitute beef shanks or oxtails if lamb neck isn’t available.
- This dish tastes even better the next day — perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
⏱️ Quick Overview
- Prep time: 20 mins
- Cook time: 3 hrs
- Total time: ~3 hrs 20 mins
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~480 per serving
This dish is comfort food with a global twist — the kind of meal that fills your home with warming spice aromas and brings people around the table. Whether you’re new to lamb neck or a longtime fan, this recipe might just become your next cold-weather favorite. 🌿🍋
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