Lamb And Leek Casserole With Fennel Knot Rolls - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 lbs boneless lamb shoulder
1 tbsp olive oil
2 None leeks, chopped
8 None drained anchovies, chopped
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp dried oregano leaves
2 cups frozen fava beans
1 cup firmly packed mint leaves
2 tsp finely grated lemon peel
None None FOR THE FENNEL KNOT ROLLS
2 1/2 cups plain flour
2 tbsp fennel seeds
1 1/2 tbsp packed brown sugar
1 pkg (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp butter, melted

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F. Season lamb. Heat oil in a flameproof baking pan on high heat. Cook lamb until browned all over. Remove from pan.
Cook leeks in same pan, stirring, on low heat for 5 mins, or until caramelized. Add anchovies; cook, stirring, for 3 mins, or until mixture forms a paste. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste.
Return lamb to pan; sprinkle with oregano. Add 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Cover and cook in oven for 2 hours, or until lamb is tender.
Meanwhile, for the fennel knot rolls, combine flour, fennel seeds, sugar, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Stir in 3/4 cup warm water and 1 tbsp oil to form a soft dough. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8 mins, or until smooth and elastic. Brush with remaining oil; cover. Let stand in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Divide dough into 12 portions; roll each portion into a 6-inch log. Twist the ends into a knot. Place rolls on a greased baking pan. Brush with butter; cover. Let stand in a warm place for 20 mins, or until doubled in size. Brush with any remaining butter. Bake for 20 mins, or until golden.
Place fava beans in a medium heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand for 2 mins; drain. Slip out of skins. Stir into casserole; bake for 10 mins, or until lamb is very tender. Remove casserole from oven. Cover; let stand for 10 mins. Break lamb into chunks.
Spoon casserole into serving dishes. Top with mint and lemon peel. Serve with rolls.