Welsh Cawl Hearty Lamb Stew (Print Version)

Hearty lamb and root vegetable stew with leeks, slow-simmered for rich, comforting flavor.

# Components:

→ Meat

01 - 2.2 lbs lamb shoulder, bone-in preferred, cut into large chunks

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
05 - 1 small rutabaga, peeled and diced
06 - 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
07 - 1 medium onion, diced

→ Broth & Seasoning

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or lamb stock
09 - 2 bay leaves
10 - 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Place lamb shoulder pieces in a large pot. Cover with stock and bring to a boil. Skim foam from the surface.
02 - Add bay leaves, reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour.
03 - Incorporate carrots, parsnips, potatoes, rutabaga, onion, and most leeks, reserving some leeks for later. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until vegetables are tender and lamb is falling apart.
05 - Add reserved leeks and chopped parsley. Simmer for 10 minutes more. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley. Accompany with crusty bread or Welsh cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes even better the next day, which means you can make it ahead and actually relax when guests arrive.
  • One pot means minimal cleanup while you're wrapped in a blanket by the fire.
  • The lamb becomes so tender it practically dissolves, making this effortless comfort food.
02 -
  • Don't skip skimming the foam at the beginning—it's the difference between cloudy broth and clear, beautiful liquid.
  • Adding leeks in two batches gives you texture variation; if you add them all at once, they disappear completely into the stew.
03 -
  • Use bone-in lamb shoulder if you can find it; the bones contribute a richness that changes everything.
  • Make it a day ahead—cawl tastes like itself only after it's had time to settle and deepen.
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