Slowly Braised Lamb

Directions

1. 1
   Season the lamb with salt and pepper.
2. 2
   Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
3. 3
   Heat the oil in a casserole large enough to hold the lamb.
4. 4
   Brown the lamb on all sides over medium heat; it should take at least 15 minutes.
5. 5
   Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside.
6. 6
   Add the onions and leeks to the casserole and sautee over medium-low heat until they are tender and just turning golden.
7. 7
   Stir in the garlic.
8. 8
   Return the lamb to the casserole and add the stock, wine, lemon juice, tarragon and scallions.
9. 9
   Bring to a simmer, cover and place in the oven.
10. 10
    Bake the lamb for five hours; by then it should be extremely tender.
11. 11
    Remove the lamb from the casserole.
12. 12
    Strain the sauce into a heavy saucepan.
13. 13
    Skim off as much fat as possible.
14. 14
    Place the solids in a blender or food processor along with 1 tablespoon of the minced parsley.
15. 15
    Puree, adding a little of the sauce if necessary.
16. 16
    Add this puree to the sauce, reheat and check seasonings.
17. 17
    Remove the strings from the lamb.
18. 18
    Slice the roast down the middle the long way, then cut it into chunks.
19. 19
    Layer the meat into a bowl or loaf pan that holds 5 to 6 cups, then unmold onto a warm serving platter.
20. 20
    Sprinkle the remaining minced parsley over the top, garnish the platter with parsley sprigs and serve, with the sauce on the side.