Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Aromatic Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty lamb stew slow-cooked with chickpeas, tomatoes, and warm Mediterranean spices for a comforting and flavorful Greek-inspired dish. This greek-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, extra virgin olive oil, large yellow onion, diced 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 2 sliced carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the browned lamb to the pot and add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 2 cups broth, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours until lamb is tender and flavors are well melded.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Aromatic Spices 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-Simmered Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Aromatic Spices?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Aromatic Spices?

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 Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Aromatic Spices 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 Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Aromatic Spices?

Greek 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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