Slow-Simmered Fenugreek Lentil and Lamb Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting stew with tender lamb and lentils slow-simmered in a fragrant fenugreek-spiced broth. This yemeni-inspired one pot ready in about 110 minutes pairs Lamb shoulder, Brown lentils, Fenugreek powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Yemeni cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1.5 tbsp fenugreek powder, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs cubed lamb shoulder, 1 cup brown lentils, and 1 cup diced carrots. Stir to coat with spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 2 tbsp tomato paste, then add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and lamb are tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup diced cucumber just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Fenugreek Lentil and Lamb Stew take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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-Simmered Fenugreek Lentil and Lamb Stew?

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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Fenugreek Lentil and Lamb Stew?

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-Simmered Fenugreek Lentil and Lamb Stew 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-Simmered Fenugreek Lentil and Lamb Stew?

Yemeni one pot 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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