Pulled Lamb Tacos

Pulled Lamb Tacos: A Culinary Journey

Imagine a dish that combines the rich, deep flavours of slow-cooked lamb with the vibrant and fresh elements of Mexican cuisine. Pulled lamb tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience, a journey through taste and texture that starts with the very first bite.

The process begins with selecting the perfect cut of lamb. The shoulder is ideal for this dish, as its marbling of fat renders down during the cooking process, resulting in meat that’s tender and full of flavour. This cut is generously rubbed with a blend of aromatic spices like ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, each adding their own distinct notes to the meat’s flavour profile. A touch of salt and pepper is added to enhance the natural taste of the lamb.

As the lamb slow-roasts in the oven, wrapped in its own little cocoon of foil, the magic starts to happen. The heat gently breaks down the connective tissues, and the meat begins to fall apart, becoming so tender that it can be teased apart with the mere nudge of a fork. The onions and garlic nestled around the meat caramelize and meld their flavours with the lamb, infusing it with a sweetness and depth that only slow cooking can achieve.

After hours in the oven, the lamb emerges transformed. It’s then pulled apart, revealing strands of succulent meat that are both juicy and infused with the rich mosaic of spices. The lamb is now ready to be the star of the taco.

The corn tortillas, slightly charred from a quick visit to a hot pan, provide the perfect canvas for the pulled lamb. They’re warm, pliable, and with a subtle corn flavour that complements the meat. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrus that cuts through the richness, while a dollop of sour cream introduces a cool, creamy contrast.

Each taco is then finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, its bright, lemony flavour providing a fresh counterpoint to the warm spices of the lamb. The salsa, whether it’s a fiery red or a tangy green, adds another layer of complexity, bringing heat, acidity, and a touch of sweetness.

Pulled lamb tacos are more than just a dish; they’re a symphony of flavours and textures. The softness of the tortilla, the pull-apart tenderness of the lamb, the sharpness of the lime, the coolness of the sour cream, the freshness of the cilantro, and the kick of the salsa all come together in a harmonious blend that delights the senses.

This dish is a celebration, a testament to the power of slow cooking and the joy of fresh ingredients. It’s a reminder that some things are worth the wait, that patience can yield the most delicious rewards. Pulled lamb tacos are not just food; they’re a story told in every bite, a narrative of flavours that transports you to a place where every element is in perfect balance.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg lamb shoulder, bone-in
• 30 ml olive oil
• 10 g ground cumin
• 10 g smoked paprika
• 5 g dried oregano
• 5 g salt
• 2 g ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 250 ml beef or chicken stock
• 2 limes, juiced
• Corn tortillas, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Sour cream, for serving
• Lettuce, shredded for serving
• Salsa, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C.
2. Mix the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
3. Rub the lamb shoulder with olive oil and the mixed spices, ensuring it’s well-coated.
4. Place the lamb in a roasting pan, scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic around it, and pour the stock over the top.
5. Cover the pan with foil and roast for about 4-5 hours, or until the lamb is very tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
6. Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Then, pull the meat apart using two forks, discarding any fat or bones.
7. Warm the corn tortillas in the oven or on a pan.
8. Assemble the tacos by placing some lettuce then pulled lamb on each tortilla, followed by a squeeze of lime juice, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and your choice of salsa.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!