Lamb and Mushroom Stew

Photo: flickr user avlxyz

Ingredients

2 pounds boned lamb shoulder fat-trimmed,

and cut into 1 1/2" chunks

(substitute beef chuck for beef stew)

1/2 pound common mushrooms

1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms

(or more common mushrooms)

3/4 pound onions peeled, and

coarsely chopped

1 cup thinly-sliced carrots

4 garlic cloves minced

2 ounces thin-sliced pancetta or bacon chopped

1 cup dry red wine

3 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

5 whl cloves

1 pkt frozen peas - (10 oz)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Salt to taste

Freshly-ground black pepper to taste

Mashed potatoes or hot cooked rice

Preparation

In a 6-quart pressure cooker over high heat, frequently stir lamb until browned, about 15 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer lamb to a bowl.

Meanwhile, rinse common mushrooms, trim stem ends, and quarter mushrooms. Rinse shiitakes, discard stems, and slice caps.

In cooker, stir common mushrooms, shiitakes, onions, carrots, garlic, and pancetta until onions are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add lamb and juices, wine, basil, rosemary, and cloves.

Seal cooker. Following manufacturer's instructions, bring to maximum pressure (15 pounds); adjust heat to stabilize cooking rate. Cook 20 minutes. Release pressure quickly, running cold water over pan.

Open pan. If desired, discard cloves. Add peas to pan. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into mixture, then stir stew over high heat until boiling. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with mashed potatoes or cooked rice.

This recipe yields 6 servings.