6 tablespoons olive oil, in three parts
4 lamb shoulder chops
1 mature onion, coarsely chopped
1 bunch cilantro or parsley, finely chopped (stems OK)
1/3 - 1/2 bottle good red wine
1 - 2 quarts chicken broth
2 cups dried great white beans (cleaned)
4 medium carrots and tops, coarsely chopped, in two parts
1 cup coarsely chopped celery leaves and celery stalks
1 turnip, coarsely chopped
2 small or 1 large fennel bulb, coarsely chopped (just the white part)
1/2 - 1 cup portabello or other mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1 head garlic, peeled and chopped fine (about 1/3 cup)
1 - 2 tablespoon. dried oregano or 1/2 cup fresh leaves
1 - 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, crushed
Salt and pepper, optional