Basque Lamb Stew

Ingredients

• 3.5 pounds lamb shoulder cut into 2 inch pieces
• 6 cloves garlic crushed peeled
• 1 sprig rosemary fresh chopped
• 0.5 cup cooking wine dry white
• 2 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
• 1 large onion peeled chopped
• 4 servings salt 
• 2 teaspoons paprika sweet
• 10 ounce roasted bell peppers red cut into 1/2 inch strips canned
• 1 large tomatoes ripe peeled seeded chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley fresh chopped
• 1  bay leaf 
• 1 cup full-bodied red wine dry
• 1 cup chicken stock see 
• 4 servings pepper black freshly ground

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• paper towels
• pot
• wooden spoon

Directions

1. Combine the lamb, half of the garlic cloves, rosemary, and white wine in a medium bowl.
2. Let marinate for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Drain the meat, discard the marinade, and pat dry with paper towels. Mince the remaining garlic cloves and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan with lid, over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the meat on all sides, about 10 minutes per batch. Salt the meat as it browns.
5. Remove the meat from the pan and add the chopped onion to the pan. Cook, scraping browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon, until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the garlic and cook another minute.
7. Return meat to pan, add paprika, roasted peppers, tomatoes, parsley, bay leaf, red wine, bring to simmer: Return the meat to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir in paprika, roasted peppers, tomatoes, parsley, bay leaf, and red wine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the liquids to reduce a bit.
8. Add chicken stock, simmer:
9. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until meat is very tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
10. Add freshly ground black pepper and more salt to taste.
11. Serve with rustic bread. If you want, try garnishing with fresh mint leaves (though I have no idea how "Basque" that is, it just tastes good.)