Slow-Cooked Spiced Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives
Tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with preserved lemon, green olives, and aromatic spices, creating a rich Mediterranean stew perfect for cozy dinners. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces, olive oil, medium yellow onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 whole preserved lemon, pulp removed and rind thinly sliced
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder pieces and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until deeply caramelized.
- Step 2: Remove lamb and set aside. Lower heat to medium and add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent, then stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp smoked paprika to onions and garlic. Cook while stirring for 1 minute to toast spices.
- Step 4: Return lamb to pot along with 1 whole preserved lemon rind (pulp removed and thinly sliced) and 1 cup pitted green olives. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, add 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 2 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with couscous or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Spiced Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Spiced Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives?
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 Slow-Cooked Spiced Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives?
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 Spiced Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives 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 Spiced Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives?
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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