Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Syrian Seven-Spice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty lamb stew infused with a fragrant blend of Syrian seven-spice and slow-cooked to tender perfection. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 125 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, 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 420 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: 105 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown evenly on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the edges develop a rich crust.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot with the lamb. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp Syrian seven-spice blend, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the spices are aromatic and coat the meat.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 sliced carrots, 2 peeled and cubed potatoes, and 3 cups water to the stew. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes until lamb is tender and vegetables are soft.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the stew before serving for a fresh herbal finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Syrian Seven-Spice take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (20 min prep + 105 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 Syrian Seven-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 lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Syrian Seven-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 Syrian Seven-Spice 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 Syrian Seven-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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