Patience is vital when making Gouvedge – at least the way we make it. It takes time to prep and time to cook. So, if it’s Gouvedge you wish to serve this autumn and winter season, start planning now.
We started planning weeks ago by ordering lamb shanks from our local source – Fox Trot Farm.
Now that it’s cooled-down a bit we forged ahead with our plan to make this heart-warming, tummy-satisfying dish – and – we’re glad we did!
A heart-and-tummy-warming casserole of lamb and vegetables.
Course Main Course
Prep Time 2 hourshours
Cook Time 1 hourhour45 minutesminutes
Broth Chilling Time 12 hourshours
Total Time 15 hourshours45 minutesminutes
Servings 6servings
Ingredients
4largelamb shankstrimmed of fat
lamb brothSee Day 1 preparation for details
6oztomato paste
15ozcan diced tomatoeswith liquid, optional
1lbfresh green beansend trimmed, cut into 2” pieces
2mediumzucchini cut into large chunks
1largeeggplantcut into cubes
1lbokracut into small pieces, optional
2mediumred or orange peppersseeds removed, and cut into chunks
1largeonionsliced
3garlic clovespeeled and thinly sliced
1bunchflat leaf parsley
2tbspolive oil
saltto taste
pepperto taste
allspiceto taste
oreganoto taste
paprikato taste
Aleppo pepperto taste
cayenne pepperto taste
ground coriander seedsto taste
Instructions
Day 1 Preparation
Place the trimmed lamb shanks in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, skimming any residue from the surface during the cooking process.
Reduce temperature to medium-low; place a cover, tilted, on the pot.
Cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the meat is tender enough to easily be removed from the bones.
Periodically check the water level; do not let it all evaporate. Add more as needed. You should end up with at least 3 cups of broth.
While the lamb cooks, cut all of the vegetables as noted above.
Remove shanks from the liquid; place in container, cover and refrigerate.
Strain the liquid from the pot; discard any unwanted particles. Place strained broth in a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Special Note: Check the ends of the bones for what Dikranagerdsis call ,'dzoodz', or bone marrow. Scoop it from the open end of the bone and eat it up!
Day 2 Preparation
Remove meat from the bones and cut lamb into bite-sized pieces. Place meat in a bowl.
Remove and discard the layer of fat from the surface of the chilled, gelatinous lamb broth.
Using a large pot, sauté the onions and peppers in a few Tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper as it cooks. Add the congealed broth.
Add the tomato paste, stirring gently until paste is blended with the broth. Add lamb pieces.
Add the prepared vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and any combination of herbs and spices as listed, to suit your taste.
Cook, covered, on low heat, for about 45 min. to 1 hour. Stir occasionally, making sure the liquid hasn’t evaporated. Add water, if necessary.
Preheat the oven to 350°- 375° F (ovens vary). Lightly oil a 9” x 13” casserole dish. Evenly spread the lamb-vegetable mixture. Cover pan with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake an additional 45 minutes or until top begins to brown.
While gouvedge is baking, make rice or bulgur pilaf to serve as a side dish. A side of plain yogurt is always a welcome addition, too.
Notes
Crusty bread is required for dipping!Highly recommend serving with a big scoop of cold, plain yogurt on top!
View Comments
Can I use beef broth for this recipe?
Vicky, absolutely! Beef broth is a suitable substitute when lamb broth is unavailable.