Lamb Shoulder with Polenta and Beans

Lamb Shoulder with Polenta and Beans
Lamb Shoulder with Polenta and Beans
Thanks to two very hands-off methods for the lamb and polenta, this is an excellent choice for a dinner party.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 6 servings
Bean Lamb Roast Dinner Cornmeal Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa Bon Appétit Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup coarse polenta
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated
  • kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
  • 1 3-pound boneless lamb shoulder roast, tied (a butcher can do this)
  • 3 cups (or more) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
  • 2 leeks, white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced crosswise 1/4" thick, divided
  • 3 ounces thick-cut bacon, sliced crosswise 1/4" thick
  • 1 14-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 3/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems
  • Carbohydrate 56 g(19%)
  • Cholesterol 193 mg(64%)
  • Fat 65 g(100%)
  • Fiber 6 g(24%)
  • Protein 43 g(86%)
  • Saturated Fat 29 g(143%)
  • Sodium 1348 mg(56%)
  • Calories 981

PreparationFor lamb roast: Preheat oven to 325°F. Blend basil and oil in a food processor until smooth. Place lamb in a roasting pan. Season generously with salt and pepper and rub basil purée all over. Cover with foil, and cook until fork-tender, 3-3 1/2 hours. Increase oven temperature to 500°F. Remove foil and roast lamb until golden brown, 10-15 minutes. Let rest 30 minutes. Pour pan juices into a measuring cup and skim; set jus aside. For polenta: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Mix thyme, shallot, garlic, polenta, cream, and 3 cups broth in a 13x9x2" baking dish; season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake, without stirring, until polenta is softened and liquid is almost completely absorbed, 60-75 minutes. Thin polenta with more broth, if needed. For beans and assembly: Bring sugar, vinegar, chili paste, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add half of leeks, reduce heat, and simmer until soft, 8-10 minutes. Drain; set leeks aside. Wipe out saucepan. Cook bacon over medium heat until fat renders and bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Add remaining uncooked leeks to saucepan and cook, stirring often, until soft, 8-10 minutes. Add beans, bacon, and reserved boiled leeks and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Untie lamb and thinly slice. Divide polenta among bowls. Top with lamb, beans, and herbs; drizzle with jus.

PreparationFor lamb roast: Preheat oven to 325°F. Blend basil and oil in a food processor until smooth. Place lamb in a roasting pan. Season generously with salt and pepper and rub basil purée all over. Cover with foil, and cook until fork-tender, 3-3 1/2 hours. Increase oven temperature to 500°F. Remove foil and roast lamb until golden brown, 10-15 minutes. Let rest 30 minutes. Pour pan juices into a measuring cup and skim; set jus aside. For polenta: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Mix thyme, shallot, garlic, polenta, cream, and 3 cups broth in a 13x9x2" baking dish; season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake, without stirring, until polenta is softened and liquid is almost completely absorbed, 60-75 minutes. Thin polenta with more broth, if needed. For beans and assembly: Bring sugar, vinegar, chili paste, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add half of leeks, reduce heat, and simmer until soft, 8-10 minutes. Drain; set leeks aside. Wipe out saucepan. Cook bacon over medium heat until fat renders and bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Add remaining uncooked leeks to saucepan and cook, stirring often, until soft, 8-10 minutes. Add beans, bacon, and reserved boiled leeks and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Untie lamb and thinly slice. Divide polenta among bowls. Top with lamb, beans, and herbs; drizzle with jus.