Northward-Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming, slow-cooked lamb stew infused with northern-inspired warming spices and hearty root vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 150 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large yellow onion, diced 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pot.
  3. Step 3: Remove lamb and set aside; reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add back the lamb to the pot along with 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 peeled and sliced carrots, 2 peeled and sliced parsnips, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring the stew to a simmer, cover partially, and reduce heat to low; cook gently for 2 hours until lamb is tender and vegetables are soft.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the stew before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Northward-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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Northward-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 Northward-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 Northward-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.

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