Slow-Simmered Iraqi Lamb and Okra Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-22 · Updated 2026-06-22

A hearty Iraqi stew combining tender lamb chunks with fresh okra simmered in a rich tomato and spice broth. This Middle Eastern-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 110 minutes, pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, okra, trimmed and halved, tomato paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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

• 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 oz okra, trimmed and halved
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Mix in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes until spices are aromatic.
5. Step 5: Pour in 4 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour until lamb is tender.
6. Step 6: Add 12 oz trimmed and halved okra to the pot, stir gently, cover, and simmer another 20 minutes until okra is tender but intact.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with rice or flatbread.