If you’re craving a lamb dish that’s bursting with flavor and unbelievably tender, you’ve got to try my Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe. This isn’t your everyday roast—infused with spicy harissa and sweet apricots, it hits that perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I love how simple ingredients come together for such a wow-worthy dinner. Trust me, once you master this, it’s going to be a go-to for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy harissa and sweet apricots creates a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Juicy, Tender Lamb: Slow roasting the shoulder at a lower temperature guarantees tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh lamb make this recipe surprisingly easy but incredibly impressive.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dinner party centerpiece, this roast fits perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is the first step in nailing this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe. You want a good quality rolled lamb shoulder for that perfect roast texture, and soft dried apricots that melt into the harissa paste to add subtle sweetness. The harissa itself packs the punch, so pick one with the heat level you like.
- Rolled lamb shoulder: Look for a well-marbled, fresh cut for the juiciest, most flavorful roast.
- Dried apricots (soft): Make sure they’re soft and tender so they blend well with the harissa and don’t add chewy bits.
- Harissa paste: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version. Adjust the quantity based on how spicy you want it.
- Salt: Simple seasoning to bring out the lamb’s natural flavor and the harissa’s depth.
Variations
Everyone loves to put their own twist on recipes, and I’m no exception! I often switch up the harissa level depending on the season and who I’m cooking for. Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your taste buds—this roast is super forgiving.
- Milder Version: If you’re not big on heat, use just 1 tablespoon of harissa paste spread evenly and stick to apricot’s natural sweetness for balance—I did this when serving to kids and it was a hit!
- Extra Aromatics: Adding some fresh rosemary or garlic rub on the lamb before roasting amps up the herbal notes beautifully.
- Fruit Swap: Try dried cranberries or figs instead of apricots for a different sweet tang that pairs wonderfully with lamb.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a little smoked paprika into the harissa paste for a smoky depth I discovered during a weekend cookout.
How to Make Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Stuffing and Lamb
Start by mixing about 1 teaspoon of harissa paste with the diced soft dried apricots—the mix should look like a sticky, flavorful paste. This is the magic filling that brings heat and sweetness together inside the lamb. Gently lift the lamb shoulder and carefully stuff this apricot-harissa mix inside. Then, rub the remaining harissa all over the outside of your lamb before sprinkling generously with salt. This creates a seasoned crust that seals in the juiciness during roasting.
Step 2: Roast at High Heat, Then Slow Down
Preheat your oven to fan-assisted 190°C (about 400°F). Place the lamb in a roasting tray and pop it in for 10 minutes to get the outside beautifully caramelized. This initial high heat locks in the flavors and gives your lamb a lovely crust. After 10 minutes, turn the oven down to fan-assisted 140°C (about 325°F) and let it slow roast for 15 minutes per 500g of lamb. For the 500g shoulder we’re using here, roast for about 15 minutes, but always check the internal temperature before calling it done.
Step 3: Check and Rest for Ultimate Tenderness
Use a meat thermometer to check that your lamb reaches your desired doneness: 45°C for rare, 60°C for medium, and 70°C for well done. I recommend taking the lamb out just a few degrees early because it will carry over heat while resting. Speaking of resting, don’t skip it! Let your lamb shoulder rest for at least 15 minutes before carving—this step redistributes the juices and results in the juiciest bites you’ll find.
Pro Tips for Making Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe
- Room Temperature Lamb: Taking your lamb out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking helps it roast evenly without cold spots.
- Don’t Overstuff: I learned that stuffing too much filling makes the lamb hard to roll and can cause uneven cooking—stick to a small handful of apricot mix.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Nothing beats accuracy for perfect doneness; I never roast lamb without one now.
- Rest the Meat: Skipping the rest leads to dry lamb, so give it those 15 minutes—it really makes a difference.
How to Serve Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this lamb with a sprinkle of fresh chopped mint or coriander—they add a fresh pop that cuts through the spice and richness beautifully. Sometimes, I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you like it spicy, some extra harissa on the side is always welcome.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for this roast served alongside fluffy couscous mixed with toasted almonds, roasted vegetables like carrots and fennel, or even a crisp, green salad. The warmth and spice of the lamb balance perfectly with these simple sides that soak up all those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the lamb on a big wooden platter with apricot halves scattered around and sprigs of fresh herbs for color. Setting it on a bed of herbed couscous makes it feel festive and abundant. You can even slice the lamb thinly and arrange it rococo-style for an impressive sharing platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover lamb in an airtight container in the fridge, usually consuming it within 2 to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it, so it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
This roast also freezes well if you want to make it ahead. Slice the cooled lamb and freeze it in single-portion bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers without drying them out, I like wrapping the lamb slices in foil with a splash of broth or water and warming them gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the meat tender and moist—way better than the microwave.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of lamb for this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe?
While lamb shoulder is ideal because of its fat content and tenderness after slow roasting, you can experiment with lamb leg. Just adjust cooking times to prevent it from drying out, and keep an eye on the internal temperature.
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How spicy is this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe?
The spice level depends on the harissa paste you use. I suggest starting with less if you’re sensitive to heat and adding more after tasting. The sweet apricots also help balance the heat nicely.
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Can I prepare this roast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff and season the lamb the day before, then cover and keep it refrigerated. When ready, roast it fresh. This makes your dinner prep super smooth.
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What if I don’t have harissa paste?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic, and cumin to mimic the flavor. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s packed with bold flavors that are surprisingly easy to achieve. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a comforting meal, the combination of harissa and apricots gives the lamb an unforgettable character. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s a simple, fuss-free way to elevate your lamb roast game. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite like I do!
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Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
A flavorful roast lamb shoulder stuffed with a spicy and sweet harissa apricot filling. This recipe combines tender lamb with the warmth of harissa paste and the natural sweetness of dried apricots, making for a succulent and aromatic main dish perfect for a special dinner.
Ingredients
For the Roast Lamb Shoulder
- 500 g (1.1 lb) rolled lamb shoulder
- 1 small handful soft dried apricots, diced
- 2 tbsp harissa paste, divided
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to fan assisted 190°C (200°C conventional) / 400°F / gas mark 6 to ensure it reaches the perfect roasting temperature.
- Prepare the Stuffing: Mix 1 teaspoon of harissa paste with the diced soft dried apricots until evenly combined. This mixture will add a spicy and fruity flavor to the lamb.
- Stuff the Lamb: Carefully stuff the lamb shoulder with the harissa and apricot mixture, distributing it evenly inside the rolled meat.
- Season and Rub: Rub the remaining 1 tablespoon of harissa paste all over the outside of the lamb shoulder. Season generously with salt to enhance the flavors.
- Initial Roast: Place the lamb on a baking tray and roast it in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to start the cooking process and develop a crust.
- Lower Temperature and Continue Roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to fan assisted 140°C (160°C conventional) / 325°F / gas mark 3. Continue roasting the lamb for approximately 15 minutes per 500g, which for this 500g piece is about 15 minutes more.
- Check Internal Temperature: Test the lamb’s internal temperature just before the end of the scheduled cooking time. For rare, aim for 45°C; for medium, 60°C; and for well done, 70°C. Roast a bit longer if necessary to reach your preferred doneness.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast before carving.
Notes
- Ensure the lamb is rolled tightly and well secured to keep the stuffing intact during roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness for perfect results.
- Resting the meat is crucial to preserve juiciness and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste based on your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 233 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 309 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
