Greek lamb stew with tomatoes & olives

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 150°C, gas mark 2. Cut the meat into 6cm pieces.

2. 2

   Heat a large lidded flameproof casserole dish and add a tablespoon of oil. Brown the meat all over in batches, then remove and set aside.

3. 3

   Add the remaining oil to the dish, stir in the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until beginning to soften. Leaving the top intact, split the chilli along its length – this adds flavour to the stew without too much heat. Stir in the chilli, garlic and rosemary, and increase the heat. Pour in the wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and reduce the heat.

4. 4

   Return the lamb and juices to the dish, stir in the olives and bring to a simmer. Season, then cover and cook in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.

5. 5

   Remove the chilli and rosemary, and discard. Return the stew to a simmer on the hob. Add the pasta and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender, and the lamb is thoroughly heated. Ladle the stew onto plates and serve scattered with the feta and mint sprigs.