Pre-salting the lamb (the longer the better) will deepen its flavor and increase moisture and tenderness in the meat. Afterward, a simple sear then braise renders fork-tender shreds of meat. A spoonful of garlicky gremolata heightens those long-cooked flavors.

Ingreadient

Lamb

• 1 (6- to 7-pound) bone-in lamb shoulder, or 1 (4- to 5-pound) boneless lamb shoulder, tied
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium-size yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 6 large shallots, halved lengthwise
• 1 large carrot, roughly chopped
• 2 large celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 large garlic head, halved crosswise
• 1 bunch thyme sprigs
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon wildflower honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 (3-inch-long) orange peel strips

Lemon-Oregano Gremolata

• 1/2 cup packed, finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 large garlic clove, grated

Direction

Make the lamb

1. Sprinkle lamb evenly with 2 tablespoons salt and black pepper. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour, or chill, uncovered, at least 8 hours or overnight. (If lamb chills overnight, let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.)
2. Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in lower third position. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add lamb, fat side down; cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Carefully turn lamb over; cook, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove lamb from Dutch oven. Discard drippings from Dutch oven. Wipe Dutch oven clean.
3. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to Dutch oven; heat over medium. Add onion, shallots, carrot, celery, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and begin to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add garlic and thyme; cook, stirring often, until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in wine, orange juice, honey, vinegar, and orange peel strips. Nestle lamb, fat side up, on vegetable mixture; bring to a boil over medium. Remove from heat and cover Dutch oven. Transfer to preheated oven and roast until lamb is fork-tender, 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Make the gremolata

1. Stir together all gremolata ingredients in a bowl. Let stand 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
2. Remove lamb from Dutch oven and transfer to a large serving platter. Tent lamb with aluminum foil; let rest 30 minutes before slicing or shredding meat. Serve with gremolata.

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