Charles E. Walton IV
This garlic-rich sauce is pure heaven for lovers of the edible bulb. To save time, substitute minced jarred garlic; just know it's not as good as spring's fresh, young garlic. Also, Michael prefers grapeseed oil to olive oil because "its high smoke point is excellent for high-heat applications, such as sautéing. The neutral flavor won't compete with other ingredients, and grapeseed oil is lower in saturated fat than any other oil." He recommends plain-flavored Salute Santé Grapeseed Oil, $13 for a 17-ounce can; salutesante.com.
How to Make It
Step 1
Heat oil in a large stainless Dutch oven. Coat lamb cubes with salt, pepper, and flour. Brown in hot oil, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Step 2
Remove lamb from pan, and drain any excess oil. Add red wine, scraping bottom of pan to loosen up bits of browned meat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes. Add lamb back to pan with vegetables. Add potatoes and next 3 ingredients; stir and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
Step 3
Add blanched vegetables, thyme, and rosemary; stir and let simmer 30 more minutes. Garnish, if desired.
Step 4
*To blanch, plunge vegetables briefly into boiling water, then into cold water to stop the cooking process.
