Slow Cooked Lamb with Creamy Polenta
This absolute comfort food is perfect any time of the year. This slow cooked lamb with creamy polenta has everything you look for in comfort food. Meat cooked to fork tender in a tomato sauce, caramelized onions and smoked spices. Served over a bed of creamy Parmesan flavored polenta for that ultimate luxury.
Slow-cooked lamb with creamy polenta. Slow-cooker lamb with creamy polenta, Carmalized slow cooked lamb
If you ask my kids what they want to eat? they will almost always choose a slow-cooked dish. Mama make that meat with the couscous or mama make that soft meat you made last time or mama make that meat with the creamy mashed corn. Well, they are still small so they have no clue what they are eating. They expect mama to remember it for them. Those of you who are mom know exactly how this drill goes. Right?
Well, mama – make that meat with creamy mashed corn means this lamb with creamy polenta. Wheather you make it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop this meat cooks fork tender and melts in the mouth. The list of ingredients sounds like a lot but they are not really that difficult to source for. If you cook often then you probably already have it in your pantry.
You see that rich color? That comes not just from the tomatoes but from the onions that are quite a bit but cooked until caramelized. Actually the secret to making this dish even more flavorful. You know what happens to onions when you cook them until golden? They become brown and sweet too. The sweetness enhances the meat and the brown deepens the color of the red sauce.
Slow-cooked lamb with creamy polenta. Slow-cooker lamb with creamy polenta, Carmalized slow cooked lamb
Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes
- Lamb – I usually prefer to use shoulder or leg for my slow cooking but you also get low cuts that are much cheaper. If you ask your butcher to recommend what’s the best he has with his for the day I’m sure he will be happy to suggest.
- Polenta – these are very easily available in most supermarkets nowadays. They come in yellow colored bags and are also called Yellow Corn Meal. Note Cornflour and cornmeal are not the same. Cornmeal is coarse and thicker than semolina.
- Red Onions – If you haven’t realized it yet. The onions contribute to the main flavor on this dish!! Red onions are sweeter than the regular brown or white so do look for a sweeter variety. Plus we cook them down for 10 minutes until almost caramelized. This adds sweetness and intense flavor to this dish.
- Dried herbs – I actually prefer to use the dried herbs in this recipes so I don’t have to fish out too many things later. Since it’s cooked longer and slow the dried herbs do get enough time to work their magic. Of course, you are welcome to use fresh anytime.
- Canned Tomatoes – Usually I am a fresh tomato kinda girl but in slow-cooked recipes like this one I do prefer the canned tomatoes. They are thicker in consistency and have a better color so the end result is a much thicker and prettier sauce. Having said that of course if you prefer fresh that would work too. A good 2 cups of chopped tomatoes would be a good substitute. The end result will different in texture and taste but still delicious.
Slow-cooked lamb with creamy polenta. Slow-cooker lamb with creamy polenta, Carmalized slow cooked lamb
Recipe – Slow Cooked Lamb with Creamy Polenta (Save/Pin)
For the lamb
- Lamb- 1 kg shoulder, leg or similar (I’m using leg)
- All purpose flour – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Red onion chopped fine – 1 large (about 2 cups when chopped)
- Garlic – 3 medium -minced
- Ginger – 1/2 inch grated
- Bay leaves – 2 nos
- Dried rosemary – 1/2 tsp
- Dried thyme – 1/2 tsp
- Cinnamon stick – 1 large or 2 small
- Cinnamon powder 1/2 tsp
- Cumin powder – 1/4 tsp
- Sweet or hot paprika – 1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Crushed tomatoes – 1 can
- Tomato paste – 1 tbsp
- Water – 1 cup
- Parsley – 1/4 cup
For the Polenta
- Polenta / yellow Cornmeal – 1 cup
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- White pepper powder – 1/4 tsp
- Water – 2 cups
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Parmesan – 2 tbsp (more for garnish)
Method
Sear and saute
- Cut lamb into large bite-size pieces. Season with Salt and pepper. Toss with flour and coat well.
- Set aside for a few minutes.
- Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a saute pan and brown the meat on all sides; 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove meat from pan and keep warm.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan, saute onion, for two minutes until onions are almost caramelized – 10 minutes
- Next, add the ginger and garlic – saute for a minute more.
- Now add all the dry herbs, dry spices, bay leaves, cinnamon, and parsley – stir well.
On the stovetop
- Add the meat back to the pan. Saute for two minutes so the meat is all coated with the spics.
- Now add the can of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste – stir well.
- Let it come to a boil – then add one cup water – stir well and let come to a boil again.
- Season with salt and pepper
- Now lower the heat to an absolute simmer.
- Cook on low heat for 2 hours turning once or twice to ensure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Keep checking to ensure you have enough water if necessary add 1/4 to 1/2 cup more.
- This has a thick sauce be caution with the water.
- When the meat is fork tender add the lemon juice and stir well.
- Check for consistency, if necessary add more water or cook on high for a few minutes down until water is reduced.
In the Slow-cooker
- Add the seared meat in the bottom of the slow-cooker
- Followed by the sauteed onions mixed with the dry herbs added.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, lemon juice and water.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Give it all a good stir.
- Cover the slow cooker and let cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Or cook on high for 4 hours. ( I usually prefer to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours)
- The meat should be fork tender.
Slow-cooked lamb with creamy polenta. Slow-cooker lamb with creamy polenta, Carmalized slow cooked lamb
Smooth and Creamy (Parmesan) Polenta
- Bring the water with salt and pepper to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium so it’s not a rolling boil
- Use a wooden spoon, stir the water creating a gentle swirl.
- Keep stirring and adding the polenta in a gentle stream (this will avoid lumps)
- Once all the polenta is in – lower the heat to an absolute simmer
- Cover and let cook for 45 minutes stirring well every 10 minutes.
- When cooked it will be thick and creamy
- Add the butter and Parmesan – stir it in well.
- Cover and let sit for 10 minutes before you serve.
- Polenta thickens further after cooking so don’t worry if it appears looser then as shown in the images below.
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
Slow-cooked lamb with creamy polenta. Slow-cooker lamb with creamy polenta, Carmalized slow cooked lamb
Slow Cooked Lamb with Creamy Polenta
This absolute comfort food is perfect any time of the year. This slow cooked lamb with creamy polenta has everything you look for in comfort food. Meat cooked to fork tender in a tomato sauce, caramelized onions and smoked spices. Served over a bed of creamy Parmesan flavored polenta for that ultimate luxury.
Ingredients - Choose (Metric or US Customary) below
For the lamb
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder leg or similar (I'm using leg)
- 2 tbsp All purpose flour
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Red onion chopped fine (about 2 cups when chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 inch Ginger grated
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp Dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 Cinnamon stick 1 large or 2 small
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp Cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp Sweet or hot paprika
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 can Crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Parsley
For the Polenta
- 1 cup Polenta / yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp White pepper powder
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Parmesan more for garnish
Instructions
Sear and saute
-
Cut lamb into large bitesize pieces. Season with Salt and pepper. Toss with flour and coat well.
-
Set aside for a few minutes.
-
Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a saute pan and brown the meat on all sides; 3 to 5 minutes.
-
Remove meat from pan and keep warm.
-
Add the remaining oil to the pan, saute onion, for two minutes until onions are almost caramelized - 10 minutes
-
Next, add the ginger and garlic - saute for a minute more.
-
Now add all the dry herbs, dry spices, bay leaves, cinnamon, and parsley - stir well.
On the stovetop
-
Add the meat back to the pan. Saute for two minutes so the meat is all coated with the spics.
-
Now add the can of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste - stir well.
-
Season with salt and pepper.
-
Let it come to a boil - then add water - stir well and let come to a boil again.
-
Now lower the heat to an absolute simmer.
-
Cook on low heat for 2 hours turning once or twice to ensure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pan.
-
Keep checking to ensure you have enough water if necessary add 1/4 to 1/2 cup more.
-
This has a thick sauce be caution with the water.
-
When the meat is fork tender add the lemon juice and stir well.
-
Check for consistency.
In the slow-cooker
-
Add the seared meat in the bottom of the slow-cooker
-
Followed by the sauteed onions mixed with the dry herbs added.
-
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, lemon juice and water.
-
Season with salt and pepper.
-
Give it all a good stir.
-
Cover the slow cooker and let cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
-
Or cook on high for 4 hours. ( I usually prefer to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours)
-
The meat should be fork tender.
Smooth and Creamy Polenta
-
Bring the water with salt and pepper to a boil.
-
Lower the heat to medium so it's not a rolling boil
-
Use a wooden spoon, stir the water creating a gentle swirl.
-
Keep stirring and adding the polenta in a gentle stream (this will avoid lumps)
-
Once all the polenta is in - lower the heat to an absolute simmer
-
Cover and let cook for 45 minutes stirring well every 10 minutes.
-
When cooked it will be thick and creamy
-
Add the butter and Parmesan - stir it in well.
-
Cover and let sit for 10 minutes before you serve.
-
Polenta thickens further after cooking so don't worry if it appears looser than as shown in the images below.
Love Cooking? You may like to check out some of my other slow cooked recipes.
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I love this recipe. It’s so creamy and delicious. I have recently been using my slow cooker so this recipes was so easy to make and everyone thought I worked hours over it. But the slow cooker did all the work. The meat was fork tender. Thank you for sharing your recipes.
Thank you Sanmiguel. So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe. I love getting such feedback. Thank you for taking the time to come back and write this comment. Appreciate it very much.
I love polenta. This recipe looks so amazing and delish!
Thank you Brandi. I do love polenta too.
You are not going to believe me but I have never tried making polenta. I am going to try yours. This recipe looks so comforting, definitely my kind of meal.
Thank you Teri. Oh you must try polenta. It’s so delicious. Let me know if you try this one. Love to hear more
That lamb looks really delcious and juicy,I think this will go not only with polenta it can also go with flat bread or naan. So you yum. When comes to cooking meat slow cooker is really good friend.
Absolutely Swathi. There is more than Polenta that works with this. Couscous works great too!
I think polenta is such an underrated side dish. A shame really, because it captures the flavors of other ingredients so beautifully.
Absolutely. I love polenta. We usually have it ore with meat!
Wow..I’M DEFINITELY getting my slow cooker now..this looks so yummy..I have never used polenta before so will look for this in the supermarket
Absolutely Karyn you can definitely make this in a slow cooker. Works like a charm
Oh my goodness, this sounds incredible! I’ve actually never had polenta (I KNOW), so I’d love to try out your recipe. Also love that it can be made in the slow cooker!
Christine – I did not make it in the slow cooker but you can make it in the slow cooker for sure. Polenta is really delicious.
This recipe looks simply amazing. We really love lamb and polenta?? Without a doubt it is a favorite in this household. My gosh when I make this I’m sure the pan will be cleaned without a trace of sauce left. Just looking at the ingredients I can tell how superb the taste will be. I like the touch of cinnamon. My mamma would use it — lightly but it gave the dishes an incredible depth. This is without a doubt comfort food. I can imagine sitting down on a cold winter’s night and enjoying the tender lamb over polenta.
Thank you Marisa. I definitely make it more often in Winter. My kids adore this recipe and the creaminess from the polenta is a real treat.
Slow cooked recipes bring the best out of the ingredients used. The lamb looks so juicy and it is paired perfectly with that creamy polenta. Love all your ingredients description and makes it easier for many new cooks.
Thank you so much Sadhya. Yes I do hope new cooks find it easy to read and do.
Such a great dish for autumn. It makes me want to grab a bowl and curl up with it on the sofa.
Thank you Elinor. I know what you mean. it’s comfort food for sure.
This is comfort food to the max! I used to eat a lot more lamb (since I am half Greek). Haven’t had it in a while but after this recipe I may have to try it. I am a polenta lover! Delicious!
Thank you Kathy. I hope you try it. I think you will love it.
This looks like a delicious meal. So full of flavor & family friendly. That polenta looks fabulous too!
Thanks you Debi
This is making my mouth water. It looks so delicious. I definitely want to make this for fall.
Thank you Marlynn. Let me know how you like it.
I have never paired lamb and polenta. I LOVE both, so this works for me. As a kid, my mom would make cornmeal (polenta) all the time. You know the way I loved it best? With sour cream! OMG the memories that brings back…I just might have to make some this weekend.
Ah Gloria. I know the polenta with sour cream very well. love it too. Love the mom memories when they hit you. It’s such a special feeling.
This is pure comfort food…what a perfect dish for winter. I love all the spices in that lamb…pinning for later! xo
Thank you Catherine.
I’ve never had lamb before, but this looks like something that I would love to eat. I love polenta,so I bet this is a great pairing.
Really? If you like beef you will love lamb. It’s a lot more tender and juicy. Lamb and polenta are a perfect pair.
This is perfect fall comfort food! I love using polenta as a base for stews and this braised lamb sounds amazing!
Thanks Pam. Yes, I love polenta too! Makes it perfect for such slow cooked meals