Cut the lamb shoulder into large chunks, trimming off excess fat. Season with salt and black pepper.
Don't trim all the fat, as some fat will render during cooking and add flavor to the stew.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb pieces on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Browning the lamb adds depth of flavor to the stew. Make sure the pot is hot before adding the lamb to get a good sear.
In the same pot, sauté diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
This mixture of vegetables is called mirepoix and it forms the aromatic base of many stews and soups.
Add tomato paste to the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat them evenly.
Cooking the tomato paste briefly intensifies its flavor and adds richness to the stew.
Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
Deglazing the pot with wine loosens the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot and incorporates them into the sauce.
Return the lamb to the pot. Add beef stock, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
You can also use lamb stock if you have it, for an even richer flavor.
Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 2.5-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender and the flavors are well combined.
The longer the stew simmers, the more tender the lamb will become and the more the flavors will meld together. Check occasionally to make sure there's enough liquid and add more stock if needed.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
A dollop of sour cream or yogurt can add a nice tang and creaminess to the stew.
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