Pierre Koffmann’s lamb stew with ultimate mash

Method

1. For the lamb stew, heat the oven to 180°C fan/gas 6. Dry the lamb with kitchen paper, then season well with salt.
2. Heat a large, heavy-based casserole over a medium heat. Add the oil and, once starting to sizzle, add the meat. Cook evenly and keep turning until it’s brown all over. You may need to do this in 2 batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside
3. Add the onions and carrots to the casserole, reduce the heat to low-medium and cook until golden, stirring occasionally. Return the browned lamb to the pot along with any juices, the flour, tomato purée, plenty of ground black pepper and a little more salt. Stir to combine, then cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, then add the garlic and bouquet garni. Cover and transfer to the oven for 35-40 minutes until the meat is very tender.
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4. For the garnish, melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, then fry the vegetables until just tender but still with a slight bite – about 10 minutes (the cubes should retain their shape).
5. Meanwhile, put the cut potatoes in a large pan and cover with 1 litre cold water. Add the salt, then slowly bring to the boil. Simmer until tender – about 25 minutes (see Pierre’s tips).
6. Drain the potatoes in a colander, cover with a clean tea towel, then set aside to steam for a few minutes. While still hot, pass the potatoes and butter through a potato ricer or, if you don’t have one, return to the pan and mash until smooth.
7. Pour the cream into a small pan and gently warm. Put the pan of mash back over a medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring, to further dry out the potato. Add the warm cream, a little at a time, beating between additions. Taste and adjust the seasoning and keep warm..
8. When the stew is ready, scatter the garnish on top or stir it through. Return the stew to the oven for a further 10 minutes. Remove the bouquet garni and season to taste.
9. Serve the lamb scattered with chopped parsley, mash and, if you like, steamed greens.