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Lamb stew is a classic comfort food that can warm you up on a chilly evening or impress your guests at a dinner party.
This recipe combines tender chunks of lamb with aromatic vegetables and fragrant herbs to create a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
To make this lamb stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
2 cups beef or chicken broth
1 cup red wine
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Here are the steps to make this delicious lamb stew:
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and brown it on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and bay leaf, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4
Add the beef or chicken broth, red wine, diced tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Bring the stew to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 2-3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 6
Serve the lamb stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme.
Secrets to Making the Best Lamb Stew
To make the best lamb stew, here are some secrets to keep in mind:
Brown the lamb: Don’t skip the step of browning the lamb before adding it to the stew. This will give it a delicious crust and add depth of flavor to the stew.
Use red wine: The acidity and flavor of red wine will help to tenderize the lamb and add richness to the sauce.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their flavor. Add them to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender but still retain their shape and texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Lamb Stew
Lamb stew not only tastes delicious, but it can also provide a range of health benefits. This hearty dish is packed with protein, essential vitamins, and minerals that can support overall health and well-being.
One of the primary nutritional benefits of lamb stew is its high protein content. Lamb is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
A 3.5-ounce serving of lamb contains around 25 grams of protein, making it a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Lamb stew is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. For example, lamb is a rich source of vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining healthy nerve function and producing red blood cells. It also contains iron, which is necessary for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and zinc, which is important for immune function and wound healing.
Moreover, the vegetables included in the stew add even more nutritional value to the dish. Carrots, for instance, are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision, while potatoes provide vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. Onions, another common ingredient in lamb stew, contain antioxidants that can help protect against inflammation and chronic disease.
It is important to note, however, that lamb is also high in fat and calories, particularly if you use fatty cuts of meat or add a lot of butter or cream to the stew. If you are watching your calorie intake, it is best to use lean cuts of lamb and limit added fats.
Tips for Serving Lamb Stew
Here are some tips for serving lamb stew:
- Serve with crusty bread: Lamb stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread, which can be used to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with a side salad: A side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty lamb stew. Try pairing it with a shrimp salad with Bangkok rice, which can be found in this recipe for shrimp salad at riceselect.com.
- Add a touch of freshness: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a touch of brightness and freshness to the rich flavors of the stew.
- Store leftovers properly: Lamb stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, make sure to do so gently over low heat to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
Variations on Lamb Stew
While this classic lamb stew recipe is delicious as is, there are also many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
Add beans: Adding beans like chickpeas or cannellini beans can give the stew extra texture and protein.
Make it spicy: Add some heat to the stew by including chili flakes, hot sauce, or fresh jalapeños.
Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, or bay leaves to create a unique flavor profile.
Try different vegetables: Substitute or add different vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers to add extra nutrition and flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, we recommend pairing this lamb stew with our delicious recipe for shrimp salad.
Made with fresh shrimp, vegetables, and fragrant rice, this salad is the perfect complement to the hearty flavors of the lamb stew. Check out the recipe for shrimp salad with Bangkok rice recipe and enjoy a delicious and balanced meal tonight.
Image Credit: Photo by Pinaak Kumar on Unsplash