Method

• 1.
  Preheat oven to 180°C.
• 2.
  Combine the flour with a good pinch of salt and pepper in a plastic bag. Add the lamb chops and shake the bag for 30 seconds to evenly coat the lamb.
• 3.
  Heat half the oil in a large frypan over medium-high heat. Shake excess flour off the lamb, then cook, in batches, for 2-3 minutes each side until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• 4.
  Wipe the pan clean with paper towel and place over medium heat. Add the remaining 50ml oil and cook the onions, stirring, for 10-12 minutes until soft and starting to colour. Add garlic and cook for a further 3 minutes or until golden brown.
• 5.
  Place lamb in a flameproof casserole, then top with onion mixture and bay leaves.
• 6.
  Toss the sliced potatoes with the melted butter and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange potatoes over the top of the onions in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly.

• 7.
  Pour the stock over the potatoes, then cover the casserole dish with the lid. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 130°C and cook for a further 2 1/2 hours or until potatoes and meat are tender and the sauce has thickened.
• 8.
  Remove lid, then switch oven to the grill function. Grill on high heat for 3 minutes or until the potatoes are golden. Rest while you make the gremolata.
• 9.
  For the gremolata, place the parsley, garlic and lemon zest together in a bowl, then stir to combine.
• 10.
  Divide hotpot among bowls, sprinkle with gremolata and serve.