Lamb and Vegetable Stew
This hearty lamb and vegetable stew is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for cozy family dinners. Tender pieces of lamb are simmered with a medley of vegetables in a rich broth, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Total Time: 2 hrs 20 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef or lamb broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lamb: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the lamb and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot: If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the browned lamb back to the pot along with the broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
5. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the carrots, potatoes, celery, zucchini, thyme, rosemary, cumin, coriander, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Pairing Suggestions: Serve this stew with crusty bread or over a bed of couscous for a complete meal. A simple green salad makes a great side dish.
To Ensure Success: Make sure to brown the lamb well to build flavor. Simmering the stew low and slow allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Variations: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas. For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories