Best Easy Agnello alla Cacciatora Recipe

Hunter-style lamb braised with tomatoes, rosemary, and vinegar from central Italy. This high protein mediterranean family dinner is a rustic carnivore classic with robust, tangy flavors.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 380 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in lamb shoulder 3 lbs
  • yellow onion 2 pieces
  • celery stalk 2 pieces
  • carrot 2 pieces
  • whole peeled tomatoes 28 oz
  • garlic cloves 5 cloves
  • olive oil 1 cup
  • fresh rosemary sprig 3 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • red wine vinegar 1 tbsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 13%
Protein 27 g 28%
Fat 22 g 59%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat a Dutch oven on medium-high heat, then add olive oil and brown the lamb shoulder pieces thoroughly on all sides for deep flavor.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion, celery, carrot, and garlic, and sauté until vegetables are softened and fragrant—about 7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon, and add rosemary sprigs; bring to a simmer over low heat.

  4. 4

    Add red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper; cover and braise gently on the lowest possible heat for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  5. 5

    Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to concentrate flavors and slightly thicken sauce; check lamb for tenderness, adjust salt to taste, and serve.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is bone-in lamb shoulder, which provides the rich, robust flavor and tender texture definitive of Agnello alla Cacciatora. The braising method also allows the lamb to absorb aromatic vegetables, rosemary, and tangy tomatoes.
Q. Which seasoning gives the dish its distinctive tang?
Red wine vinegar is the standout seasoning here. Added during the braise, it balances the richness of lamb, brightens the tomato base, and infuses the stew with a classic hunter-style tang.
Q. How should I control heat for optimal tenderness?
After browning the lamb on medium-high heat, maintain a gentle simmer on the lowest setting during braising. This slow, steady cooking over 90 minutes ensures the lamb becomes tender without drying out or toughening.
Q. How can I avoid overcooking the lamb and ensure great texture?
Monitor the braise: The lamb should simmer gently covered, then be checked for tenderness after 90 minutes. Uncover for the final 30 minutes to concentrate flavors, but avoid boiling, which can toughen the meat. The shoulder should pull apart easily but retain structure.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving?
Each 260g serving offers 380 kcal, with 27g protein (28%), 13g carbs (13%), and 22g fat (59%). This is a high-protein dish with a Mediterranean balance, making it suitable for diabetic-friendly diets due to moderate carbs.
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