CrockPot Leg of Lamb with Prunes Recipe
Lamb and prunes (dried plums!) simmer all day long in the slow cooker -- this creates a delicious fruit chutney you can serve over the lamb on a bed of mashed potatoes or polenta.
I'm often asked what my favorite meal is that I've made in the crockpot. I never really know how to answer, because I sort of have forgotten along the way what I've made, and I feel weird picking just one thing out.
But. I can confidentaly answer that THIS is my favorite meal I've made so far this year in the crockpot. It's also the only one I've gotten to actually eat...
but whatever.
it's delicious.
The Ingredients.
serves 6 to 8
4 pounds boneless leg of lamb
1 teaspoon each of:
rosemary
cumin
kosher salt
pepper
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups dried plums (dude. they are PRUNES!)
1/2 cup white wine (you could use apple juice)
1 cinnamon stick
The Directions.
Use a 4-5 quart crockpot. Put meat inside, and rub it on all sides with dry spices.
Add garlic and prunes. Pour in wine, and toss in a cinnamon stick. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for about 4.
I'd go with the longer and lower cooking time, though.
If you'd like, remove meat from stoneware, and make a gravy out of accumulated juice with some cornstarch.
The prunes will be awfully squishy, and can blend right in with the juice and cornstarch.
Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta with gravy drizzled over the top.
The Verdict.
YUM. I loved this, and so did Adam and the kids. We sat. At the table.
Together.
I even put the laptop away.
It was a great dinner.
:-)
A year ago today: Chicken and Rice Soup.
I'm often asked what my favorite meal is that I've made in the crockpot. I never really know how to answer, because I sort of have forgotten along the way what I've made, and I feel weird picking just one thing out.
But. I can confidentaly answer that THIS is my favorite meal I've made so far this year in the crockpot. It's also the only one I've gotten to actually eat...
but whatever.
it's delicious.
How to Cook Lamb with Prunes in the CrockPot Slow Cooker
The Ingredients.
serves 6 to 8
4 pounds boneless leg of lamb
1 teaspoon each of:
rosemary
cumin
kosher salt
pepper
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups dried plums (dude. they are PRUNES!)
1/2 cup white wine (you could use apple juice)
1 cinnamon stick
The Directions.
Use a 4-5 quart crockpot. Put meat inside, and rub it on all sides with dry spices.
Add garlic and prunes. Pour in wine, and toss in a cinnamon stick. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for about 4.
I'd go with the longer and lower cooking time, though.
If you'd like, remove meat from stoneware, and make a gravy out of accumulated juice with some cornstarch.
The prunes will be awfully squishy, and can blend right in with the juice and cornstarch.
Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta with gravy drizzled over the top.
The Verdict.
YUM. I loved this, and so did Adam and the kids. We sat. At the table.
Together.
I even put the laptop away.
It was a great dinner.
:-)
A year ago today: Chicken and Rice Soup.
This sounds great! I don't have any lamb crockpot recipes. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger Award because you're so cool and I love to read your blog, check out my most recent blog post for more details!
ReplyDeleteThe apricot orange pork chops you posted a few weeks ago are great if you sub chicken for the pork. I made it that way from my son's birthday party this weekend when we had guests who don't eat pork. You should try it!
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is ever any way that I would make this... I'm just skeeved out by the thought of prunes. On lamb. I'm glad it was good, but I can't wrap my poor head around it, LOL
ReplyDeleteooooh! Lamb! We love lamb around here. Can't wait to try this once the lamb sales start for Easter :o)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! I just made a ragout of pork and prunes but I bet it would be even better with lamb. Yum.
ReplyDeleteSadie - I know what you mean about the prunes ('dried plums'), but you would be surprised. Promise... :) It's the lamb part that's got me skeeved, but I'm willing to give it a shot. Maybe....
ReplyDelete2 Things. Can you put the lamb (or other meat) in from frozen state or must one defrost first? Other than pork dishes, I hope you get to eat the meals you make! I just recommended your blog to several friends! They are going to love you.
ReplyDeletethank you Megan!
ReplyDeleteooh, Jen, that's good to know; thank you.
lol, Sadie!
Jackie, yes. It's recommended that when cooking with frozen meat you add room temp or warm liquid to stave off the food danger zone thing. Crock-Pot has addressed cooking with frozen meat on their website.
I prefer using frozen meat because 1. I'm totally lazy, and 2. because it takes about another hour to cook, which provides a bit more wiggle room.
xoxo
steph
I was never a lamb fan until I tasted some good quality lamb (read: expensive!) cooked extrememly well. However, if you're still squeamish on the lamb thing, I bet this would be equally good with a pork loin.
ReplyDeleteStephanie -- I was just thinking yesterday that you need a way to link back to some of the recipes from last year so they don't get lost. Then I noticed your link to "one year ago today." What a great idea. I didn't find out about this site until last fall, so I'm waaaaaaay behind. This gives me a chance to see things I wouldn't ordinarily find by skimming the categories or by checking out the alphabetical links (which are also very helpful.)
Thanks for a great site for us busy, working moms. I send the link to this site to anyone I know who's harried between work, kids activities, etc. Several people have commented what a help this is. Keep up the good work!
We just adore Lamb! Thanks for this recipe.
ReplyDeleteGlad you loved it! But I'm totally not a fan of lamb, and the idea of prunes on it totally icks me out.
ReplyDeletePrunes? I don't think I could make it. I am glad it was good and probally very healthy. I will keep it in the back of my mind as a maybe. You have had other receipes that I totally love though. Maybe you set them up in some type of cook book.
ReplyDeleteI find it funny that so many people are grossed out by the "prunes" and even the "Lamb". Personally I don't recall ever eating either of these items. Maybe it is time that I give them a try. I'm saving this recipe and one day it will happen.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. I miss you when you don't send anything out.
Oh wow.....I am SOOOO sorry to say this but that does NOT look too appetizing to me. How did you get your kids to eat prunes of all things!! :-))
ReplyDeleteoh you guys are so funny with the prunes!
ReplyDeleteWe eat them ALL the time. They're good for you, juicy, and are wonderful to munch on straight from the fridge.
and there's that whole fiber thing... :-)
xoxox
steph
YUM!!!!!
ReplyDeleteM ^..^
I have a silly question...do you untie the lamb first or keep it all trussed up?
ReplyDeleteHi Carin,
ReplyDeleteuntie it! If you meat is still frozen and you can't get the string off, run it in hot water to loosen the string, then cut away with kitchen shears.
xox
steph
This sounds so good. I happen to have an abundance of homemade "prunes" from last fall. And I have never thought of cooking them with any kind of meat. So this is a must try maybe for the weekend....now if I can just find some nice lamb. Tisha
ReplyDeleteI don't usually care for lamb, but boy do I love some prunes! I have got to try this!
ReplyDeleteMy mom used to make sort of a prune jam and although we only had it on toast or pancakes, I bet this will bring back the childhood memories.
I Love this site! I put your link in my post today on SMOKIN' POT! (which I what I call my crock pot because it is SMOKIN'!
ReplyDeleteI also added you on my sidebar- this is a great place!
i love love love prunes!! i just don't like lamb. hmmmmm maybe beef?
ReplyDeleteLOL - this may have been your favorite so far this year, but it has to be the most unappetizing looking recipes I've seen on your blog! No offense.
ReplyDeleteI love shopping for lamb at the market with my dd9. It drives her nuts when I cruise the meat section, calling out "baaah, baaah". If you can't have fun embarrassing your children, what's the point in having them in the first place?
Thanks for keeping the blog going - I come back to it regularly to make old favorites, and get new recipes. You rock.
I bet this would be good with deer meat too.
ReplyDeleteDear Crockpot Lady,
ReplyDeleteHow have I gone this long without reading your blog and seeing your lovely recipes. You are now bookmarked, both on my computer and in my heart!
Veronica
Those who are squeamish about cooking with prunes should try Silver Palate's "Chicken Marabella" aka chicken with prunes....absolutely delicious. Will convert prune haters into lovers!
ReplyDeleteI cook with prunes a lot ... I mean A LOT. They're especially good with braised meats, like this, but I chop them up in rice or couscous too. They skate the line between sweet and savory so well. And yes -- Chicken Marbella is a fantastic recipe!
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog on the Dallas Morning News website this afternoon and have been cruising your recipes all afternoon (while working - ahem). I'm excited and can't wait to give some a try! Unfortunately will have to pass on the lamb with prumes as I don't eat anything with legs.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on GMA! I've been wanting to try that breakfast casarole, but just haven't. Now I really need to!!
ReplyDeleteAre you going to post something about your TV experience? I couldn't watch it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, a new reader, from Mexico
Mazdee
looks like a great recipe...I just found your website and love it already! What about dried apricots for all those who have issues with prunes?
ReplyDeleteI was just preparing William-Sonoma's leg of lamb recipe, which calls for wrapping the leg in aluminum foil and roasting for 4 hours in a 200 degree oven. I thought that sounded like something that could be done in a slow cooker. Low and behold, here you have it, requiring the same time (4 hours). So I added the prunes I had (maybe 1 cup) to the rub I'd already made: garlic, oregano, cinnamon, bay leaves, salt and pepper. I'll let you know if the prunes are good with the Greek herbs.
ReplyDeleteHi, I feel like I've arrived late to this party - I have only just stumbled across your website. Thanks Steph for so many inspirational recipes ... I'm not confident in the kitchen and I love the fact that you've done all the experimenting for me.
ReplyDeleteI've had a big giggle reading through the comments for this recipe especially. :)
Here in Australia, Lamb is almost a staple in our diet ... seeing so many eww yuck remarks just cracks me up!
I'm actually trying another of your Crock Pot Roast Lamb recipes for dinner, it's simmering away at the moment and smells delicious ... honey and rosemary, Yum! It's been on low for five hours and appears cooked already.
9 Sept 2010, 3pm
This has become our staple Christmas Dinner. If you think you don't like prunes, this recipe will for sure change your mind. We season some flour, lightly coat the lamb chunks, and brown them a day in advance. This dish is supremely decadent, and served with mashed potatoes, you'll really feel like you're in a fine dining establishment eating the fanciest item on the menu! Can't emphasize enough how well this combo works together - very mediterranean! Thank you for sharing this dish and creating a new tradition for our family.
ReplyDelete