Northern Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A hearty lamb stew infused with warm northern spices and tender root vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs Lamb shoulder, diced, Salt, Black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 120 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs diced lamb shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the lamb in batches, browning all sides for 5-6 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large chopped yellow onion, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Step 7: Return the lamb to the pot along with 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, 2 cubed potatoes, and 4 cups beef broth.
  8. Step 8: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until lamb and vegetables are tender.
  9. Step 9: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Northern Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Northern Spiced Lamb Stew with 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, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Northern Spiced Lamb Stew with 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 Northern Spiced Lamb Stew with 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 Northern Spiced Lamb Stew with 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.

Related recipes