Lamb and artichokes are a magical combination that captures all the real flavors and techniques of Greek cooking. This recipe uses seasonal vegetables as the main ingredient, with meat playing a secondary role, to produce a rich and simple stew. Add fresh peas for even more complexity. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 tbsp olive oil
2 medium sized yellow onions, roughly chopped
2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into large cubes
3 tomatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
2/3 cup white wine
4 fresh artichoke hearts, cut into quarters
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsely
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Heat the olive oil in a large casserole dish or saucepan and saute the onions over medium heat until softened. Add the lamb, stirring constantly until browned. Reduce the heat and add the tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine and enough water to just cover the meat.

Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Add the artichokes, adding a little more water to just cover if necessary, and simmer until they are tender, about 15 minutes. Add the dill, parsley and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 30 minutes or until the meat is tender and the sauce has reduced.

Serves 4 to 6

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Lamb and Artichoke Stew

Ever since the time of the ancient Greeks, fishermen have been making this soup with leftover fish from their catch. Said to be the humble predecessor of bouillabaisse, it almost certainly traveled to Marseilles when the ancient Greeks colonized the south of France. Optional extras may include tomatoes, lemon zest, saffron stale bread and rice. Enjoy this traditional Greek Fish Soup recipe!

Ingredients:

6 shallots or baby onions, peeled and halved
4 large potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 zucchini, trimmed and roughly chopped
1 stalk celery with the tops, sliced and chopped
3 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 lb selection of firm fish like scorpion fish, rock cod, snapper, monkfish, mullet, bream
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 1 1/2 lemons

Preparation:

Place the vegetables and parsley in a large saucepan. Cover with water and boil over medium heat for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, clean and gut the fish. If small leave whole, otherwise cut into fillets. Place the fish carefully on top of the vegetables, reduce the heat and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the fish and vegetables are cooked.

Carefully remove the fish and vegetables and set aside. Strain the stock and return it to the pot. De-bone the fish and remove the heads. Return the de-boned fish and vegetables back into the strained stock, and season with salt and pepper. Bring back to a boil, then simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Place fish and vegetables in soup bowls and pour the broth over. Squeeze lemon juice into each bowl and serve with toasted bread.

Serves 4 to 6

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Greek Fish Soup