Youvetsi (Lamb & Orzo Bake)

Ingredients

• 11.2kg lamb shanks or shoulder pieces
• 2400g orzo pasta
• 3400g tinned tomatoes
• 41 onion (chopped)
• 53 cloves garlic
• 6200ml red wine
• 71 tsp cinnamon
• 82 tbsp olive oil
• 950g kefalotyri or Parmesan
• 10Salt, pepper, fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1Brown lamb pieces in olive oil in a casserole; set aside.
2. 2Fry onion and garlic until soft; add wine, tomatoes, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Return lamb; braise covered at 160°C for 2 hours until almost tender.
3. 3Remove lamb from sauce. Bring sauce to a boil; stir in orzo.
4. 4Return lamb on top. Bake uncovered at 180°C for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is cooked and sauce absorbed. Add water if needed.
5. 5Rest 10 minutes; sprinkle with cheese and parsley before serving.