Braised Lamb & Cabbage Sandwich with Dill Mayo 

Recipe by 

"Homemade"

Prep Time

30 MIN

Cook Time

2 HR, 30 MIN

Total Time

3 HRS

Servings

12

lamb loin chops with cucumber mint salad and sweet and smoky tahini

Ingredients

For the lamb: 

  • 3 lbs boneless leg of American lamb 
  • 1 Tbsp salt 
  • 1 tsp black pepper 
  • 4 teaspoons ground cumin 
  • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika 
  • 2 teaspoon ground coriander 
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or Aleppo pepper 
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil 
  • 3/4 cup chicken or beef broth 
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste 
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed 
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice 
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced

For the pickled cabbage: 

  • 2 cups thinly sliced red or green cabbage (or a mix) 
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced 
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar 
  • 1/2 cup water 
  • 3 tablespoons honey 
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt 
  • ½ teaspoon black peppercorns 
  • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds 
  • 1 small garlic clove, smashed 
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) 

For the garlic dill mayo: 

  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise 
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced 
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped 
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice 
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 

For assembly: 

  • 12 slices crusty bread

Directions

1. Season and brown lamb: 
In a small bowl, stir together all of the American lamb rub spices. Reserve about a third of the spice mix to use after pressure cooking. Trim excess fat from the lamb leg and sprinkle with the seasoning blend. Turn the instant pot to saute mode and add the olive oil. Brown the lamb leg on all sides turning every couple of minutes until nicely browned.

2. Cook and shred lamb:
Add a splash of broth to the pot to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits. Add tomato paste, remaining broth, garlic, vinegar, and onion. Stir to combine. Return lamb to the pot. Lock the lid and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 2 hours. Natural release for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Remove the lamb and place into a large bowl and let rest for 10 minutes. 

Shred using two forks or in the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. 

3. Make quick pickled cabbage: 
Place the cabbage, onion, and carrot (if using) in a medium bowl or jar. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, honey (or sugar), salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring just to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the honey or sugar. Pour the hot brine over the cabbage mixture. Press down so everything is submerged. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes (or longer). For even better flavor, chill for an hour or overnight. 

4. Crisp lamb: 
Sprinkle remaining spice mixture over the shredded lamb. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat with about 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Add the lamb in batches so as to not overcrowd the pan and drizzle about 3 tbsp of the roasting juices from the instant pot over the shredded meat. Cook without stirring for about 2-4 minutes or until the juice has evaporated and the meat has a nice golden brown and crispy crust. Flip and brown on the other side. Repeat with remaining lamb.

5. Assemble: 
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, garlic, dill, mustard, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Slather sauce generously on both sides of toasted bread. Use tongs to pile on shredded lamb and top with the pickled cabbage.

USDA recommends the following time and temperature parameters

Ground Lamb

Internal temperature of 160°F

All Other Cuts

Internal temperature of 145°F, with a 3 minute rest

braised lamb and cabbage sandwich
braised lamb and cabbage sandwich
thermometer timer illustration

How to Cook American Lamb

Visit our Lamb Cooking Time & Temperature page for recipe inspiration and tips on preparing the perfect lamb.
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