Herby lamb cobbler

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This warming cobbler is impossible to resist on a winter’s day, but is so delicious you’ll be cooking it up all year round

Prep:40 mins
Cook:2 hrs 30 mins

Serves 6
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 963
fat 60g
saturates 31g
carbs 59g
sugars 9g
fibre 5g
protein 45g
salt 2.89g

Ingredients

1 tbsp sunflower oil
200g smoked streaky bacon, preferably in one piece, skinned and cut into pieces
900g lamb neck fillets, cut into large chunks
350g baby onions, peeled
5 carrot, cut into large chunks
350g small button mushrooms
3 tbsp plain flour
3 bay leaves
small bunch thyme
350ml red wine
350ml lamb or beef stock
large splash Worcestershire sauce
350g self-raising flour
4 tbsp chopped mixed herbs, including thyme, rosemary and parsley
200g chilled butter, grated
juice 1 lemon
5 bay leaves
beaten egg, to glaze

Tip

Middle neck of lamb
This is available as chops or neck fillet. Neck has risen in popularity as it can be either fried, grilled, roasted or braised. It is sold in supermarkets, where two little fillets are packaged in a big box and sold at a premium. But from butchers, middle neck chops and neck fillets still make for a cheaper option than more prime cuts. Look for even-coloured meat with a layer of fat running through it.

Method

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. In a flameproof casserole, heat the oil, then sizzle the bacon for 5 mins until crisp. Turn up the heat, then cook the lamb for 10 mins until brown. Remove meats with a slotted spoon, turn the heat up to maximum, then add the onions, carrots and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 mins until starting to colour, then stir in the flour. Return the meat to the pan with the herbs, and pour over the wine, stock and Worcestershire sauce. Season, then cover and braise in the oven, undisturbed, for about 1 hr 20 mins.
After about 1 hr, make the topping. Tip the flour and herbs into a large bowl, then season with salt and pepper. Add the butter and mix using a fork. Make a well, then add the lemon juice and 3 tbsp water. Gently bring together to make a soft dough. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thick, then cut into rounds using a 7.5cm pastry cutter. Re-roll the trimmings, then cut out more rounds until the dough is used up. After 1 hr 20 mins, take the casserole from the oven, remove the lid, then arrange the circles of dough, overlapping, around the edge of the dish, sticking bay leaves between them. Brush with egg and bake for 45 mins until golden.