Slow-Cooked Lamb Stew with Sumac and Barberries
A tender lamb stew infused with tangy sumac and tart barberries, simmered slowly with Middle Eastern spices for a rich, savory flavor. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 170 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, large onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1/4 cup dried barberries
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef or lamb broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat until translucent and fragrant. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons sumac, cooking for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the onion-spice mixture and deepen the tomato flavor.
- Step 5: Return the browned lamb to the pot along with 1/4 cup dried barberries. Pour in 3 cups beef or lamb broth, then season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 6: Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the lamb is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Stew with Sumac and Barberries take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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-Cooked Lamb Stew with Sumac and Barberries?
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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Stew with Sumac and Barberries?
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-Cooked Lamb Stew with Sumac and Barberries 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-Cooked Lamb Stew with Sumac and Barberries?
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.
