IRISH STEW

Again, this is from another unknown source.

5 pounds lamb shoulder chops
20 baby red-skinned potatoes
6 large carrots, peeled, quartered
3 medium onions, quartered
2 medium leeks (white and pale greens parts only), split lengthwise, cut
into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 cups water

Trim and reserve fat and bones from lamb. Cut meat into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Place fat in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook fat until 3 tablespoons drippings are rendered, about 5 minutes. Using large spoon, remove any solid fat from pot; discard. Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add lamb to pot; sauté until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon , transfer lamb to plate. Add bones to pot; cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Using tongs, transfer bones to plate.
Add vegetables, parsley and thyme to pot; stir to coat with drippings. Return meat and bones to pot. Add 2 cups water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot tightly; simmer until lamb is tender and vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours.
Discard bones. Place 1 cup vegetables in processor; puree. Add to stew. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Simmer before serving.)

Serves 6.

LAMB CHOPS WITH HERBED SWEET ONION COMPOTE

I wish I had marked where I got this recipe to credit it. It is a wonderful recipe!.

This elegant dish is perfect for weeknight entertaining. There are many different kinds of herbed white wine vinegars; choose your favorite. Serve with: Green beans sautéed with mushrooms, and mashed potatoes with chives.

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
8 lamb loin chops (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 sweet onion (such as Vidalia), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons herbed white wine vinegar

Mix mint, oregano, and garlic in small bowl. Sprinkle lamb generously with salt and coarsely ground pepper. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons herb mixture over lamb chops; press to adhere (reserve remaining herb mixture for compote).
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb and cook to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium. Transfer lamb to platter (do not clean skillet). Tent lamb with foil. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to skillet. Add onion and sauté until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar and reserved herb mixture; sauté 1 minute. Season compote to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon compote over lamb and serve.

Makes 4 servings.