Lamb with Apricots

A real Seventies dinner party dish

Lamb with Apricots - for 4


Lean lamb in chunks - half a shoulder or a piece weighing 1lb plus for 4. Our butcher sells lamb ready prepared like this
2 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion chopped
6 oz dried apricots
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinammon
1/2 stock cube
  1. Brown lamb quickly in medium hot oil and remove
  2. Soften onions, put the lamb back, and add the spices. Let these cook a minute or so
  3. Soak apricots in advance for 10 mins or so with boiling water to cover plus the stock cube
  4. Add these to dish and make sure there is enough water to come half way up the meat

Season with pepper only.


  1. Cover and cook in a low oven for 2/3 hours minimum - the original recipe says 5 hours but I just can't believe we ever did that!
  2. If you think it looks thin (and can be bothered)  thicken the juices with 1 teaspoon butter mixed with 1 teaspoon flour added in bits - let it simmer for a few minutes
  3. Taste and add 1 tablespoon slivered almonds (optional but nice)


This doesn't produce a large amount but is delicious. A good addition is some sliced courgettes for the last half hour to add greens and bulk it out. Serve with rice and peas  ( frozen peas added at the end of the cooking period for rice) or couscous.

Comments