Slow-Simmered Harissa Lamb Stew with Chickpeas
A hearty North African-inspired lamb stew enriched with spicy harissa and tender chickpeas for deep, warming flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 110 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, diced, olive oil, medium yellow onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb lamb shoulder, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb diced lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until caramelized.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices' aromas.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup drained chickpeas. Season with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook gently for 1.5 hours until lamb is tender and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Harissa Lamb Stew with Chickpeas take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (15 min prep + 95 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 Harissa Lamb Stew with Chickpeas?
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, diced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Harissa Lamb Stew with Chickpeas?
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 Harissa Lamb Stew with Chickpeas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Harissa Lamb Stew with Chickpeas?
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.
