Mama Balducci’s Brodetto Recipe

Mama Balducci’s Brodetto Recipe

  • 4 pounds baby leg of lamb, boned, meat trimmed, and cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 6 plum tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
  • 2 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons plus 1 large pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 2 pounds fresh peas, shelled
  • 8 large eggs, beaten
  • 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  1. In a nonreactive, large, heavy pot, combine the lamb, onion, tomatoes, 2 tablespoons parsley, the basil, 1 tablespoon salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, the wine, and 1 cup water. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat for 1 hour.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, blanch the peas in ½ cup boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat, drain, and set aside to cool.
  3. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, and pinch of pepper. Stir in the peas; set aside.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  5. Place the lamb in a large casserole. Pour the egg mixture over it. Bake until the custard is golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes.