Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe

If you’re looking to impress with minimal fuss, this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe is an absolute winner. I first tried this dish on a chilly weekend and immediately fell in love with the way the spicy harissa and sweet apricots transform the lamb into something extraordinary. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your go-to dinner recipes that feels fancy but is super straightforward to pull together. Let me walk you through every detail to make sure your roast comes out perfectly tender and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe is chosen to bring out the best in the meat without overpowering it. When shopping, pick quality lamb shoulder, and don’t skip on a good harissa paste—its robust flavor makes all the difference.

• Lamb Shoulder: Rolled lamb shoulder is ideal for even roasting and stuffing, tender and flavorful once cooked slowly.
• Dried Apricots: Soft and diced, they add a subtle fruity sweetness that balances harissa’s heat beautifully.
• Harissa Paste: A North African chili paste that gives that signature spicy kick; look for a good-quality one for authentic flavor.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the lamb to enhance natural flavors.

Variations

I love how versatile this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe can be. Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks to better fit different meal plans or just to keep things interesting. Don’t hesitate to play around with it to make it your own!

• Use Different Dried Fruits: I’ve swapped apricots for dried figs or cherries before, which adds a nice twist and keeps the sweet-savory balance exciting.
• Mild Harissa or Extra Spicy: Depending on your heat tolerance, you can adjust the amount of harissa paste or opt for a milder version—the flexibility here is awesome.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Toss some fresh mint or cilantro into the apricot stuffing for a fragrant lift that complements the lamb beautifully.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten without any substitutions needed.

How to Make Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Filling

Start by preheating your oven to fan-assisted 190°C (that’s 400°F or gas mark 6). While the oven warms up, mix 1 teaspoon of harissa paste with the diced soft dried apricots. This combo is your stuffing that will bring a lovely burst of flavor inside the lamb. Stuff the mixture carefully inside the rolled lamb shoulder, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 2: Coat and Season the Lamb

Rub the remaining harissa paste all over the outside of the lamb shoulder. This gives the crust a spicy, smoky kick as it roasts. Sprinkle salt generously – don’t be shy here, seasoning is key for balanced flavor. Place the lamb on a baking tray, ready for roasting.

Step 3: Roast Low and Slow

Pop the tray in the oven and roast the lamb for 10 minutes at the higher temperature to start creating a nice crust. Then reduce the oven heat to fan-assisted 140°C (325°F or gas mark 3) and continue roasting for about 15 minutes per 500g (roughly 1.1 lbs). Before the time’s up, check your lamb’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer: 45°C for rare, 60°C for medium, and 70°C if you like it well done. I learned that trusting your thermometer is the best way to get it just right.

Step 4: Rest Before Carving

Once cooked to your liking, take the lamb out and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This step is a game-changer – it lets the juices redistribute through the meat, making every bite tender and juicy. I’ve skipped this once and regretted it, so don’t rush!

How to Serve Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the sliced lamb—it brightens the rich flavors and adds a fresh pop of color. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving also adds a glossy finish that makes every plate look gorgeous.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe are warm couscous tossed with toasted almonds and fresh herbs, or a simple mint yogurt sauce to cool down the spice. Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips also pair exceptionally well, bringing earthy sweetness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served the lamb sliced thinly on a wooden board surrounded by colorful roasted veggies and small bowls of harissa mayo and tzatziki. It turns dinner into a fun, shared feast that everyone digs into. Adding edible flowers or pomegranate seeds as a garnish can also take presentation up a notch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover lamb in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. I recommend slicing before storing to make reheating and serving way easier during busy weeknights.

Freezing

This Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe freezes beautifully. Just wrap the cooled, sliced lamb tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil or place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To keep the lamb juicy when reheating, I pop the slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water and heat gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, reheating slowly on the stovetop in a pan with a bit of olive oil works well too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Harissa Stuffed Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe turns out every single time. It has that perfect balance of fiery, sweet, and savory flavors that make dinner feel special without hours in the kitchen. When I first learned this recipe, it really boosted my confidence roasting lamb, and my family still goes crazy over it whenever I make it. If you’re after a recipe that’s straightforward yet feels elevated, this is definitely one to try—you won’t regret it. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite!

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