Slow-Braised Ethiopian Spiced Lamb with Berbere Sauce
Tender lamb shanks braised slowly in a rich, aromatic berbere-spiced tomato sauce, capturing the bold flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes blends (about 3 lbs) lamb shanks, berbere spice mix, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 4 pieces (about 3 lbs) lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger root
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz can canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub 4 lamb shanks evenly with 3 tbsp berbere spice mix and season with 1 tsp black pepper and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Sear the lamb shanks in the hot oil, turning every 3 minutes until deeply browned on all sides, about 12 minutes total. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 2 finely chopped yellow onions and sauté over medium heat for 7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes to caramelize slightly.
- Step 6: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 cup water, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Step 7: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the lamb is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 8: Remove from oven, discard any excess fat, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Braised Ethiopian Spiced Lamb with Berbere Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Braised Ethiopian Spiced Lamb with Berbere Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Ethiopian Spiced Lamb with Berbere Sauce?
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 Slow-Braised Ethiopian Spiced Lamb with Berbere Sauce 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 Slow-Braised Ethiopian Spiced Lamb with Berbere Sauce?
African 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.
