Middle Eastern Lamb Stew (Print Version)

A rich lamb stew with fragrant spices, tender vegetables, and bright citrus notes for a comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
06 - 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
07 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Spices & Aromatics

08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 ½ tsp ground coriander
11 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
12 - 1 tsp paprika
13 - ½ tsp ground allspice
14 - ½ tsp ground turmeric
15 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 2 dried bay leaves
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

18 - 2 cups low-sodium beef or lamb broth
19 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon

→ Garnish

20 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
21 - Cooked rice, couscous, or flatbread (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil until shimmering.
02 - Add lamb cubes in batches; brown evenly on all sides. Remove and set aside.
03 - Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper; sauté for 2-3 minutes.
05 - Return browned lamb to pot. Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, turmeric, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper; stir to coat evenly.
06 - Pour in broth and diced tomatoes with juice, add bay leaves, and mix well.
07 - Lock lid and set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 30 minutes.
08 - Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.
09 - Open lid, stir in lemon zest and juice, then adjust seasoning as needed.
10 - Remove bay leaves, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve alongside rice, couscous, or flatbread if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free
02 -
  • For a sweeter flavor add ½ cup chopped dried apricots or prunes with the vegetables
  • Swap lamb for beef stew meat if preferred
03 -
  • Brown the lamb well to develop deeper flavor
  • Adjust cayenne pepper based on your heat preference
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