Slow-Braised Syrian Lamb with Green Beans and Ghee

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

Tender lamb cubes slow-cooked with fresh green beans in fragrant ghee and warm spices for a hearty Middle Eastern stew. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 100 minutes pairs (500g) lamb cubes, (60 ml) ghee or neutral oil, large (about 150g) onion, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 85 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup ghee in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 large sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb lamb cubes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the lamb is browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 lbs trimmed and cut green beans to the pot and stir to combine with the lamb and spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups water or broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour 15 minutes until the lamb is tender and green beans are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, increase heat to medium, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce liquid slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with warm flatbread or rice for a satisfying Syrian-inspired meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Syrian Lamb with Green Beans and Ghee take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (15 min prep + 85 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 Slow-Braised Syrian Lamb with Green Beans and Ghee?

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 (500g) lamb cubes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Syrian Lamb with Green Beans and Ghee?

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 Syrian Lamb with Green Beans and Ghee 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 Slow-Braised Syrian Lamb with Green Beans and Ghee?

Middle Eastern 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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