There’s something about Easter that brings everyone back to the table.
For Sophie Wright, Easter lunch is more than just a meal, it’s a moment to gather. With her eldest now studying in Canberra and her two daughters boarding at TAS, the long weekend offers a rare chance to have everyone home, surrounded by extended family, stories and plenty of good food.
At the centre of it all? A dish that’s become a tradition in itself.
9 Hour Slow Roast Lamb
Serves: 6
Prep: 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after
Cook: 9 hours
“A great lunch party dish. Cook it the day before and then throw it in the oven for an hour just before serving. Be prepared to see your guests licking their plates!”
– Edwina Douglas-Menzies
Ingredients
- 1 lamb shoulder
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- Garlic cut into wedges
- 300g yoghurt
- A large handful of mint
Method
- Take the lamb out of the fridge and bring to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 120°C.
- Place lamb in a large roasting pan (able to be completely covered with foil).
- Cut 4 long scores across the lamb on the diagonal.
- Cover lamb with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, rubbing into the scores.
- Lay 4 sprigs of rosemary and wedges of garlic into the scores, and place the rest of the rosemary under the lamb.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 8 hours, basting with juices after 4 and 6 hours.
- After 8 hours, baste the lamb again and increase oven temperature to 200°C. Return lamb to oven.
- Roast for approximately 1 hour, until the top caramelises, basting often.
- Remove from oven and rest under foil for 10–15 minutes (or keep warm if needed).
To Serve
- Finely chop mint and mix with yoghurt, season to taste.
- Shred the lamb.
- Serve on a platter or board with yoghurt sauce drizzled over (or on the side), and a zesty tomato salad.
Tip
This dish can be prepared the day before. After 8 hours in the low oven, allow the lamb to cool, then refrigerate. The next day, complete the final hour in a hot oven before serving. You may need a little extra time in the oven.
It’s these kinds of traditions that make moments like Easter feel so special. When families are often spread across schools, campuses, and communities, coming together around the table matters more than ever.
Whether it’s your first time hosting or a long-held tradition, this is the kind of dish that brings everyone back, and keeps them returning again, and again.
