Rustic Crimean-Style Lamb Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty lamb stew inspired by Crimean flavors, slow-simmered with potatoes, carrots, and aromatic spices for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 110 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion 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: 90 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. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 2 bay leaves; cook while stirring for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot and pour in 4 cups beef or lamb broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 1 hour.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 sliced carrots and 4 chopped potatoes to the stew. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Continue simmering uncovered for 30-40 minutes until vegetables and lamb are tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Crimean-Style Lamb Stew with Potatoes and Carrots take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Rustic Crimean-Style Lamb Stew with Potatoes and Carrots?

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 Rustic Crimean-Style Lamb Stew with Potatoes and Carrots?

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 Rustic Crimean-Style Lamb Stew with Potatoes and Carrots 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 Rustic Crimean-Style Lamb Stew with Potatoes and Carrots?

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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