Lamb and Chickpea Harissa Stew
A slow-simmered stew with tender lamb, earthy chickpeas, and a warm harissa kick, finished with fresh cilantro. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 145 minutes pairs pounds lamb shoulder, chickpeas, tablespoons harissa paste 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder
- 2 cups chickpeas
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
- Step 2: Add 3 tablespoons harissa paste and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until fragrant and deepened in color.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 pounds cubed lamb shoulder, 2 cups rinsed chickpeas, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon ground coriander. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until lamb is fork-tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, then serve hot with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lamb and Chickpea Harissa Stew take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 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 Lamb and Chickpea Harissa Stew?
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 pounds lamb shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb and Chickpea Harissa Stew?
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 Lamb and Chickpea Harissa Stew 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 Lamb and Chickpea Harissa Stew?
Mediterranean one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This stew was incredible! The harissa gave it such a depth of flavor, and the lamb was so tender.
- ★★★★★
My favorite recipe this month! So easy and flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for a cold evening. Took a bit longer than expected to cook the lamb, but worth it.
