Mediterranean Lamb and Chickpea Stew with Sumac
A comforting Mediterranean stew combining tender lamb chunks and creamy chickpeas, enriched with tangy sumac and warm spices. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 90 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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 lb lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp sumac
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp (for garnish) fresh cilantro, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes until well caramelized; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1 tablespoon sumac; cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot along with 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender.
- Step 5: Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Lamb and Chickpea Stew with Sumac take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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 Mediterranean Lamb and Chickpea Stew with Sumac?
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 onion, diced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Lamb and Chickpea Stew with Sumac?
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 Mediterranean Lamb and Chickpea Stew with Sumac for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Mediterranean Lamb and Chickpea Stew with Sumac?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The lamb was so tender and the chickpeas added a great texture. Perfect for a cozy night in.
- ★★★★★
This stew is a game-changer! The sumac gives it such a bright, tangy note. Made it for dinner and the whole family raved.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty, but I found it slightly bland. Next time I'll add more spices. Still a great recipe though.
