Herbed Lamb Stew with Ancient Spices and Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty lamb stew infused with warm, ancient spices and fresh herbs, simmered with earthy root vegetables for a savory meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 170 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 pounds cubed lamb shoulder with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the lamb cubes in batches, browning on all sides for 4-5 minutes per batch, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned lamb to the pot and pour in 3 cups chicken broth. Add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and 3 sprigs fresh thyme.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the lamb is tender and the stew thickens. Remove herb sprigs before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Lamb Stew with Ancient Spices and Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herbed Lamb Stew with Ancient Spices and Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Lamb Stew with Ancient Spices and Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herbed Lamb Stew with Ancient Spices and Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herbed Lamb Stew with Ancient Spices and Root Vegetables?

Mediterranean lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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