Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Iraqi Baharat Spice
Tender lamb chunks slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce infused with traditional Iraqi Baharat spices, creating a comforting and aromatic stew. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 130 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, large onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Baharat spice mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-6 minutes until a golden crust forms, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly and becomes aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 2 teaspoons Baharat spice mix, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Return the browned lamb to the pot, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook gently for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving with warm flatbread or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Iraqi Baharat Spice take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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 Iraqi Baharat Spice?
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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Iraqi Baharat Spice?
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 Iraqi Baharat Spice 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 Lamb Stew with Iraqi Baharat Spice?
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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