Ragout of Lamb and Spring Vegetables with Farro

A hearty and luxurious spring stew featuring tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with seasonal vegetables like baby turnips, asparagus, and peas, served over nutty farro. This rustic dish combines Mediterranean herbs with fresh spring produce for a complete one-pot meal.

6 servings
3 hr 8 min

Ingredients

  • 4 sprigs oregano
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 pounds lamb shoulder
  • to taste kosher salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 8 ounces pearl onions
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup semi-pearled farro
  • pounds baby turnips
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 2 cups peas
  • 1 bunch dandelion greens

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Tie together oregano, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves with kitchen twine.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Working in batches, cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 12-15 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate as you go.

    30 min

  3. 3.

    Add onions to pot and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper and cook until starting to brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds before adding vinegar. Cook, scraping up browned bits, until syrupy, about 1 minute.

    6 min

  4. 4.

    Add wine, bring to a boil, and cook until reduced by about one-fourth, about 4 minutes. Add broth, lamb, and herb bundle. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently, partially covered, until lamb is tender, 75-85 minutes.

    85 min

  5. 5.

    Stir in farro and cook until nearly al dente, 15-20 minutes. Remove herb bundle; add turnips. Cook until farro is cooked through, turnips are tender, and lamb is almost falling apart, 30-40 minutes. Mix in asparagus and peas; cook until crisp-tender, 2 minutes. Add greens and stir to wilt. Season with salt and pepper. Serve drizzled with oil.

    62 min