Enjoy a tender, flavorful lamb shoulder cooked effortlessly in the AOT InstantPot Pressure Cooker. This recipe delivers meat that melts in your mouth, infused with rich spices, all prepared quickly and easily, perfect for family gatherings or everyday meals. Traditionally slow-cooked dishes like this take hours, but with the InstantPot, you can achieve perfect results in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients:
For the Lamb Shoulder:
- 1 shoulder of lamb (about 2.25 kg)
- ½ tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, meat spice mix, dried thyme, ginger powder
- 1 whole head of garlic (cloves separated)
- 1 tbsp rosemary (fresh or dried)
For Sautéing:
- 3 tbsp ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 dried limes
- 4 bay leaves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 7 cardamom pods
- 5 cloves
- 10 black peppercorns
- 2 L boiling water
For the Rice:
- 1 kg basmati rice, washed (do not soak)
- 4–5 tsp salt
- 1.5 tbsp cardamom
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 3 red or green chili peppers
For Garnish:
- Toasted almonds
- Chopped parsley
Method Using the InstantPot
Step 1:
Make small slits in the lamb shoulder and trim any excess fat.
Step 2:
Mix the spices together and rub the shoulder thoroughly. Insert garlic cloves and rosemary into the slits for added flavor.
Step 3:
Turn on the InstantPot to Sauté mode, add ghee, onion, and whole spices, and sauté until fragrant.
Step 4:
Place the lamb shoulder in the pot and brown it on both sides. Then, add boiling water (do not add salt yet).
Step 5:
Close the lid and select Pressure Cook mode for 60 minutes.
Step 6:
Once cooking is complete, remove the lamb shoulder. Brush it with olive oil, turmeric, and salt, then roast in the oven at 200°C until it turns golden.
Step 7:
Reduce the stock left in the InstantPot. Use 1 cup of stock for each cup of rice.
Step 8:
Add the rice, spices, and chili peppers to the stock, then pressure cook for 5 minutes.
Step 9:
Allow the pressure to release completely before opening the lid.
Tips for Perfect Cooking with AOT InstantPot
- Do not add salt before pressure cooking; it helps keep the meat tender.
- For even browning, place the lamb shoulder on a wire rack in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the rice in a large serving dish. Place the golden lamb shoulder on top and garnish with toasted almonds and chopped parsley.
- Pair with yogurt or a refreshing cucumber yogurt salad for a complete meal.
Experience the convenience of the InstantPot Pressure Cooker and create a restaurant-quality lamb shoulder in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.