Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe

If you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and impressively tender, you’re going to love this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe. I absolutely love how the spicy warmth of harissa complements the sweetness of dried apricots, creating a beautiful balance that never fails to wow family and friends. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to roast lamb dish for cozy dinners or special occasions. Ready to dive in? Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make your roast lamb perfect every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients for this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe, which is part of its charm. I always keep dried apricots and harissa paste in my pantry—that way, I can whip this up anytime. The key is choosing good quality lamb and balancing the harissa’s heat with just the right touch of apricot sweetness.

• Rolled lamb shoulder: Look for a nicely rolled cut, about 500g, with some fat marbling for rich flavor and tenderness.
• Soft dried apricots: Choose soft apricots, not rock hard, so they blend into the stuffing beautifully.
• Harissa paste: Pick a good quality paste—not too salty—with a nice smoky heat to complement the lamb.
• Salt: Simple sea salt or kosher salt works best to season and bring out the flavors.

Variations

I love making this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe just as it is, but it’s also fun to tweak depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to personalize the harissa level or swap apricots for other dried fruit. This recipe is forgiving and versatile!

• Variation: I sometimes add chopped fresh mint to the apricot and harissa mix for an extra fresh, bright note—it’s a family favorite.
• Variation: If you want to tone down the heat, cut back on the harissa or mix it with a little yogurt before rubbing it on the lamb.
• Variation: For a nutty twist, sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds inside the stuffing.
• Variation: Looking for a gluten-free option? This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there!

How to Make Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven. Set it to fan-assisted 190°C (200°C conventional / 400°F / gas 6). I always make sure my oven’s properly heated before the lamb goes in because it helps create that initial beautiful crust on the outside.

Step 2: Stuff the Lamb Shoulder

Now, mix 1 teaspoon of harissa paste with the diced soft dried apricots until they’re nicely combined. This mix is your stuffing! Carefully open the rolled lamb shoulder and spoon the apricot-harissa mixture inside. I like to gently press it as I go to get a nice even layer inside the lamb.

Step 3: Season & Rub the Lamb

Rub the remaining harissa all over the outside surface of the lamb. This adds an extra punch of flavor and gorgeous color. Then season generously with salt. I always taste the harissa first to judge how salty it is, so my salt adds the perfect balance.

Step 4: Roast the Lamb

Place your lamb in a roasting tray and pop it in the oven. Roast for 10 minutes at the high temperature to get that outside seared. After that, lower the heat to fan-assisted 140°C (160°C conventional / 325°F / gas 3) and continue roasting for 15 minutes per 500g. For my 500g shoulder, that’s 15 minutes more at this temp. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature to hit your preferred doneness: 45°C for rare, 60°C for medium, and 70°C for well done. This step made me stop guessing and totally changed how I roast lamb!

Step 5: Rest Before Carving

This is critical—don’t skip it! Let the lamb rest for at least 15 minutes after you take it out of the oven. Resting seals in all the juices for the juiciest, most tender slices. I learned this the hard way when rushing dinner and getting dry lamb—not again!

How to Serve Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe

Garnishes

I typically finish the lamb with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or mint—it adds a fresh, herbaceous pop that pairs beautifully with the rich spiced lamb. A drizzle of natural yogurt on the side also works wonders to cool down the spice from the harissa.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this recipe are roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, a simple couscous or fluffy rice to soak up the juices, and a light green salad with lemon dressing to keep it fresh. Trust me, these sides balance the bold lamb flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch on holidays or dinner parties, I put the carved lamb on a wooden serving board garnished with whole dried apricots and pomegranate seeds. It makes for stunning color contrast and a real showstopper at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftovers tightly in foil or airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. I’ve found that the lamb stays juicy and delicious for up to 3 days when stored correctly—perfect for quick next-day meals.

Freezing

This Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe actually freezes well. Slice leftover lamb and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Before freezing, I recommend separating the meat and any pan juices so they thaw evenly. It can keep for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating

For the best texture, I reheat leftovers gently in the oven at low heat (about 150°C/300°F) wrapped in foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, a quick stir-fry with some fresh veggies also breathes new life into the lamb slices.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s such a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and savory that always impresses with minimal fuss. I love how the ingredients come together to create something that tastes way more complicated than it is. If you’re looking to add new flavors to your roast routine or just want an easy recipe that feels special, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a try. You’ll end up with juicy, flavorful lamb that makes your dinner feel like a celebration every time.

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