Regional Spiced Lamb and Chickpea Stew

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

A hearty lamb stew inspired by regional flavors, simmered with warm spices and tender chickpeas for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 95 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, canned chickpeas, drained, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 cinnamon stick. Cook the spices with the onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned lamb to the pot along with 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 cup drained canned chickpeas. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the lamb is tender and the stew thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove the cinnamon stick, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Regional Spiced Lamb and Chickpea Stew take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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 Regional Spiced Lamb and Chickpea 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 lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Regional Spiced Lamb and Chickpea 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 Regional Spiced Lamb and Chickpea Stew 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 Regional Spiced Lamb and Chickpea Stew?

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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