Slow Cooker Confit Lamb Shoulder with Bell Pepper Coulis

Create a restaurant-quality lamb dinner at home with this simple, hands-off slow cooker method that yields tender, flavorful results every single time you cook it.

The magic of a slow cooker lies in its ability to transform tougher cuts of meat into succulent, tender dishes through gentle, prolonged heat.

This recipe for confit-style lamb shoulder relies on the aromatics of onion and dried oregano, while the red pepper coulis provides a sweet, tangy backdrop that balances the richness of the lamb.

It is an ideal meal for those busy days when you want a sophisticated dinner waiting for you at the end of the day without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooking process allows the connective tissues in the lamb shoulder to break down slowly, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender. By cooking in a sealed environment, the moisture is trapped, keeping the meat succulent and infused with the flavors of the onion and herbs.

Using a red pepper coulis as the base provides a concentrated flavor that thickens as it cooks with the lamb juices. This method creates a self-basting environment where the intense sweetness of the roasted peppers permeates the meat, creating a complex and savory profile that is difficult to achieve with faster cooking methods.

Notes and substitutions

The choice of lamb shoulder is crucial here; the marbling of fat is essential for the confit-style result.

If the shoulder has a very thick layer of external fat, trimming it slightly is fine, but leave enough to keep the meat moist during the long cooking time. Ensure your slow cooker is sized appropriately so the meat fits snugly without being overcrowded.

Dried oregano is a classic pairing for lamb, but you can experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. The red pepper coulis acts as both a seasoning and a sauce base, so choose one that you enjoy the taste of on its own.

Ensure the lid of your slow cooker is tight-fitting to maintain the necessary temperature throughout the cooking cycle.

• lamb shoulder: pork shoulder, which provides a similar fat content and tenderness when slow-cooked for several hours.
• red pepper coulis: a high-quality roasted red pepper pasta sauce or a homemade blend of roasted bell peppers and olive oil.

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Chef knife
• Cutting board
• Serving platter