Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Preserved Lemons

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

Tender lamb chunks slow-cooked with preserved lemons, olives, and warm spices delivering a deeply savory and bright Mediterranean flavor. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 150 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, salt, ground black pepper 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown lamb cubes in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 chopped large onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp sweet paprika, and 1 cinnamon stick. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb to pot, stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon pulp and 1/2 cup halved green olives.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until lamb is tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove cinnamon stick, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, stir gently, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Preserved Lemons take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Preserved Lemons?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Preserved Lemons?

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 Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Preserved Lemons 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 Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Preserved Lemons?

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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