Syrah-Braised Lamb Shoulder

• Recipe by Mike Davis

This wonderfully simple, slow-cooked dish from chef and owner Mike Davis of 26brix in Walla Walla, Washington, gets a surprisingly complex flavor from Syrah. Try using the same wine for cooking and drinking, like the blackberry-powered 2004 L'Ecole No 41 Seven Hills Vineyard or Buty's concentrated, silky 2003 Rediviva of the Stones, which adds a touch of Cabernet for depth.

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons ground cumin
2. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
4. One 5-pound boneless lamb shoulder roast, tied
5. 1 bottle Syrah
6. 4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
7. 12 thyme sprigs, tied with string
8. Herbed Potato Soufflé, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix the cumin with 2 tablespoons of the oil and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven. Add the lamb shoulder and brown it well over moderately high heat, about 15 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a large plate. Wipe out the casserole.
3. Return the lamb to the casserole. Add the wine, chicken stock and thyme sprigs and bring to a boil. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer the casserole to the oven. Braise the lamb for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, turning the meat occasionally, until tender.
4. Transfer the lamb to a large platter and cover with foil. Discard the thyme sprigs. Boil the braising liquid until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 40 minutes.
5. Remove the strings from the roast. Slice the lamb, transfer to plates or a platter and spoon the sauce on top. Serve with the Herbed Potato Soufflé.

Make Ahead

The braised lamb can be refrigerated in the reduced sauce for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.