Lamb Shoulder with Preserved Lemon and Dates

Preserved lemons are a staple in North African cuisines. Cured with salt, they develop a distinctive pickled taste and soft texture that is quite unlike fresh lemons. You can buy them in gourmet stores or Middle Eastern groceries. The lemon’s acidity cuts the lamb’s richness, while the dates add sweetness—and the whole dish has a beautiful golden hue from the saffron. Fresh dates are found in specialty markets, and are generally available all year, with the peak season being November to Mar