Tender lamb, hearty vegetables and a rich savoury sauce make this slow cooker lamb potjie the perfect comfort meal for cold winter days. Inspired by the traditional South African potjie, this easy version delivers all the flavour with minimal effort. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let time do the work.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 1kg lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 300g butternut, cubed
- 250g baby mushrooms
- 500ml beef or lamb stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for serving
Method
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan.
Brown the lamb in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 2
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, butternut and mushrooms.
Step 3
In a jug, combine the stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and thyme.
Pour over the lamb and vegetables.
Add the bay leaves.
Step 4
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
Step 5
Once the lamb is tender and falling apart, season with salt and pepper.
Remove the bay leaves.
Step 6
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations
- Add pearl onions for extra flavour.
- Include sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
- Add green beans during the final hour of cooking.
- Stir through a handful of dried apricots for a traditional potjie twist.
Tips
- Lamb shoulder gives the best flavour and becomes beautifully tender.
- Brown the meat first for a richer sauce.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Conclusion
This slow cooker lamb potjie delivers all the rich flavours of a traditional South African potjie with the convenience of modern cooking. Tender lamb, wholesome vegetables and a deeply savoury sauce make it a meal the whole family will look forward to.
