Braised Lamb with Asparagus and Tarragon
Their act is a bit like the good cop-bad cop routine. Asparagus is sweet, fresh, and clean-tasting--delicate. Tarragon is racy, aggressive, and prone to take over--bold. Together, they're a classic, with each bringing out the finest in the other. The effect is best when the tarragon is fresh. Unlike the dried herb, which has an aniselike intensity fresh tarragon can be used with a free hand.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a 6- to 8-quart pan, combine lamb, onion, carrot, 2 1/2 tablespoons tarragon, and 1 cup water. Cover and cook over high heat for 20 minutes.
Step 2
2
Uncover and cook until liquid evaporates and drippings are browned, about 15 minutes; stir often as mixture browns.
Step 3
3
Add wine and broth. Stir to scrape browned drippings free, then cover pan and simmer over low heat 15 minutes. Add potatoes, cover, and simmer until lamb and potatoes are tender when pierced, about 25 minutes.
Step 4
4
Meanwhile, rinse asparagus and snap off and discard tough ends. Cut asparagus diagonally into 1-inch lengths.
Step 5
5
When meat is tender, stir asparagus into stew. Simmer, uncovered, until asparagus is tender when pierced, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and ladle into wide soup bowls. Sprinkle stew with remaining tarragon.
Ingredients
2 pounds boned, fat-trimmed lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 onion (1/2 lb.), chopped
1 carrot (3 to 4 oz.), peeled and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon
3/4 cup dry white wine
3 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds red thin-skinned potatoes (1 to 1 1/2 in. wide), scrubbed
2 pounds asparagus
Salt and pepper
Directions
Step 1
1
In a 6- to 8-quart pan, combine lamb, onion, carrot, 2 1/2 tablespoons tarragon, and 1 cup water. Cover and cook over high heat for 20 minutes.
Step 2
2
Uncover and cook until liquid evaporates and drippings are browned, about 15 minutes; stir often as mixture browns.
Step 3
3
Add wine and broth. Stir to scrape browned drippings free, then cover pan and simmer over low heat 15 minutes. Add potatoes, cover, and simmer until lamb and potatoes are tender when pierced, about 25 minutes.
Step 4
4
Meanwhile, rinse asparagus and snap off and discard tough ends. Cut asparagus diagonally into 1-inch lengths.
Step 5
5
When meat is tender, stir asparagus into stew. Simmer, uncovered, until asparagus is tender when pierced, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and ladle into wide soup bowls. Sprinkle stew with remaining tarragon.
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