Slow-Simmered Iraqi Lamb Stew with Tomato and Okra
A hearty Middle Eastern lamb stew featuring tender lamb chunks slow-cooked with tomatoes and fresh okra, infused with warm spices. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 110 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large (150g) onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 lb lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large (150g) onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 12 oz fresh okra, trimmed
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lb lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes until evenly seared and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 4 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their fragrance.
- Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 2 cups water to the pot. Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until lamb is tender.
- Step 5: Add 12 oz trimmed fresh okra to the stew, stir gently, and cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until okra is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Finish by stirring in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Iraqi Lamb Stew with Tomato and Okra 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 Iraqi Lamb Stew with Tomato and Okra?
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-Simmered Iraqi Lamb Stew with Tomato and Okra?
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 Iraqi Lamb Stew with Tomato and Okra 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 Iraqi Lamb Stew with Tomato and Okra?
Middle Eastern 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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