Slow-braised aromatic lamb shoulder with green chilli relish

SERVES: 6-8

INGREDIENTS SPICE PASTE 5 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon each ground coriander and cumin 1 teaspoon each ground cardamom, allspice and sea salt ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses ¼ cup olive oil 1.5-kilogram boneless lamb shoulder

TO COOK 2 large brown onions, peeled and thickly sliced 1½ teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

GREEN CHILLI RELISH 1 cup each parsley, mint and coriander leaves 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped finely grated zest 1 lemon 3-4 green chillies, roughly chopped (not de-seeded) ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon sea salt

METHOD Preheat the oven to 150°C regular bake.

SPICE PASTE: Blitz all the ingredients except the lamb in a food processor to a smooth paste.

Spread the spice paste all over the flesh of the lamb, avoiding the fat on top and pushing it into all the nooks and crannies. Cover in plastic wrap and chill for 6 hours, or up to overnight.

TO COOK: Scatter the onions over the base of a deep roasting tray that will hold the lamb snugly. Pour in 2 cups of water, then place the lamb on top, skin side up. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cover tightly with foil to seal, then bake for 4 hours.

Increase the heat to 180°C regular bake.

Uncover the lamb, sprinkle with the cumin seeds and bake for a further 45 minutes, until meltingly tender.

GREEN CHILLI RELSH: Blitz all the ingredients in a small food processor.

TO SERVE: Carefully transfer the lamb to a serving plate and spoon over some of the cooking juices. Serve with the Green Chilli Relish.