There’s something about a warm, hearty lamb stew that just feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. I’ve been whipping up this easy lamb stew for as long as I can remember, mostly on chilly evenings when all I want is to curl up with a good book and a bowl of something delicious. It reminds me of family gatherings where we’d gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter over steaming bowls of this comforting dish. Trust me—once you smell the savory aroma wafting from the kitchen, your family will be lining up for a taste!
What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor that comes from letting it simmer slowly. You can utilize all the veggies you have on hand, making it a fantastic clean-out-the-fridge dish! Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s both easy and utterly satisfying? I can’t wait for you to give it a try, so let’s dive into what you’ll need!
What’s in Easy Lamb Stew?
Here’s a lowdown of the ingredients that make this stew both hearty and oh-so-delicious:
Lamb Shoulder: The star of our show! Tender, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking. Make sure to cut it into 1-inch pieces so it cooks evenly.
Olive Oil: A must for browning the lamb and sautéing the vegetables. I prefer using extra virgin for that extra kick of flavor.
Onion: Diced to perfection, this fragrant base adds depth and sweetness to the stew.
Garlic: Minced garlic is another flavor bomb that brightens up the dish.
Carrots: Sliced and sweet, they bring a lovely color and crunch to the stew.
Potatoes: Diced into bite-size chunks, they make the stew hearty and filling!
Celery: Just a couple of stalks to add a nice crunch and a touch of earthiness to the flavor profile.
Dried Thyme & Rosemary: These dried herbs infuse your stew with that classic, comforting aroma. If you can, try to use fresh ones for even more flavor!
Broth: Beef or lamb broth is crucial for a rich flavor. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium option if available!
Peas: Whether fresh or frozen, they bring a pop of freshness and color to the stew at the end.
Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a slight tang that balances all the flavors beautifully.
Bay Leaf: This little leaf can work wonders with its subtle flavor, making the stew more aromatic.
Salt and Pepper: Always to taste—don’t forget to season as you go!
Fresh Parsley: For garnish, it adds a lovely splash of green to finish everything off.
Is Easy Lamb Stew Good for You?
Absolutely! This hearty dish is loaded with nutritious ingredients.
Lamb: While red meat can sometimes be a concern, lamb is an excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables: With carrots, potatoes, and celery, this stew is teeming with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
A couple of notes, though: if you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium broth and use less salt towards the end. Additionally, lamb can be a little high in saturated fat, so balance is key—pair this stew with a side salad for a wholesome meal!
Ingredients
– 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, sliced
– 3 potatoes, diced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 4 cups beef or lamb broth
– 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe will serve about 6 perfect portions.
How to Make Easy Lamb Stew?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the lamb pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
3. Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and celery. Cook for around 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
4. Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything to ensure the vegetables are nicely coated.
5. Return the browned lamb to the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring this lovely mixture to a simmer, ensuring everything is well combined.
6. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
7. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, toss in the peas. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your easy lamb stew!
Stir Things Up!
Here are some of my favorite tips and twists:
– Swap the lamb for beef or even chicken if you want something lighter!
– Feel free to jazz up the flavor with some red wine; a half-cup added during the broth stage would be divine.
– Leftovers? This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors get even more intense.
I hope you give this easy lamb stew a try! It’s one of those recipes that warms the soul, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to share your thoughts, tweaks, or even some happy eating stories with me. Happy cooking, my friends!
