Before beginning the recipe, remove the lamb shoulder from the refrigerator approximately one hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.

For oven roasting, keeping the bone in is advisable as it imparts exceptional flavour to the meat. Regularly baste the shoulder with its own juices while cooking, and refrain from piercing it with a fork to prevent loss of juices and tenderness. After cooking, wrap the meat in aluminium foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving. This essential step helps redistribute the heat evenly throughout the meat, ensuring a perfectly pink and tender texture.

The versatility of the potato

You have plenty of options to prepare it: sautéed potatoes with garlic and parsley, mashed potatoes to absorb meat juices, or even homemade fries for those who are more indulgent.

Seasonal prime vegetables

Prime carrots and turnips sautéed in butter, or a delicious vegetable medley will bring freshness and spring flavours to your meal.

Green vegetables, a touch of freshness

Green beans, sugar snap peas, or flageolet beans pair perfectly with lamb and potatoes. Parsnips, rutabagas, Jerusalem artichokes, and crosnes can enhance the lamb shoulder. Roast them in the oven, cut into medium pieces, seasoned with olive oil, thyme, and garlic to reveal their rich flavours. Remember to stir them regularly during cooking and add a little water if necessary to achieve a tender and delightfully flavoured texture.

First, identify the shoulder bones, the scapula and the humerus, to determine where to cut. Using a sharp knife, cut around the joints to separate the meat pieces. To remove the scapula bone, find the point where it connects to the meat and follow the contour of the bone with your knife.

Slice the meat: Once you have separated the joints, slice the meat into thin or thick slices according to your preference. Make sure to cut across the meat fibers for tender slices.

Plating: Arrange the slices of lamb shoulder on a warm serving dish to keep them from cooling down. To enhance its delicate and flavorful flesh, use condiments such as garlic and mustard.

Here are some other recipe suggestions for lamb shoulder: Mediterranean-style or beer-braised.

For the Mediterranean version, marinate the lamb shoulder with garlic, lemon, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil. Then roast it in the oven with typical regional vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Black olives can be added for an extra touch of flavor.

For the beer-braised method, simmer the lamb shoulder slowly in a mixture of beer, broth, and aromatics. This cooking technique renders the meat tender and juicy, while imparting a deep and rich flavor from the beer used.