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1
Generously season the lamb all over with salt and pepper; set aside.
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2
In a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed 6-quart pot with a tightfitting lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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3
Cook the lamb in three batches (so as not to crowd the pot) until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch.
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4
Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
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5
Reduce the heat to medium, add the onion, garlic, oregano, cinnamon, and measured salt to the pot, and saute, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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6
Add the tomato paste, stir to coat the onion, and cook until the tomato paste is no longer raw-tasting, about 2 minutes.
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7
Stir in the wine and cook until reduced by half, about 4 minutes.
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8
Stir in the tomato sauce, 2 cups of the water, and the bay leaves.
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9
Return the lamb pieces to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
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10
Bring to a simmer over high heat, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
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11
Using tongs, rotate the lamb pieces from the bottom of the pot to the top, cover, and simmer until the meat is falling off the bone, about 1 hour more.
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12
Transfer the lamb to a serving dish and cover with foil.
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13
Keep warm at room temperature or in a 200 degrees F oven.
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14
Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl or large measuring cup.
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15
Skim the fat from the surface (alternatively, you can use a fat separator) and discard; you should have about 4 cups of liquid remaining.
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16
Place the liquid back in the pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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17
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 6 tablespoons water and the cornstarch and add it to the braising liquid.
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18
Simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 1 minute.
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19
Pour over the lamb or serve on the side with the pasta.
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20
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
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21
Add the pasta, stir, and cook until al dente, about 5 minutes; drain and set aside.
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22
Using a paper towel, dry the inside of the pot.
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23
Return the pot to high heat, add the oil, and heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
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24
Remove the pot from heat, add the cooked pasta, and sprinkle with half of the cheese.
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25
Toss the pasta with tongs.
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26
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on the pasta, toss to coat, and serve with the lamb and sauce.