Stufato di Agnello

(Lamb Stew)

Giacoma (Russo) Ferraro, Montallegro, Agrigento

(Yield: 4 servings)

2 pounds stewing lamb (1½-inch cubes)

1 cup white wine

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 tablespoon rosemary leaves

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

1 red chili pepper (chopped, optional)

1. In a fridge-to-oven baking dish, combine all ingredients and mix well.

2.Seal dish with plastic wrap or tight lid and put in fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is better).

3.Preheat oven to 350°F and remove dish from fridge. Give it another mix and discard plastic. Cover with aluminum foil.

4.Place dish in oven on middle rack and roast for 1½ to 2 hours.

5.After 1 hour of cooking, you can add optional red chili pepper.

Serve hot.

This dish is a drier stew and if you prefer you can add either more wine or water during the roasting process to keep it moist.