Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Tamarind and Date Molasses
A richly spiced lamb stew slow-cooked with tamarind paste and sweet date molasses, bringing a balance of tangy and sweet flavors reminiscent of Mesopotamian cuisine. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large yellow onion, finely chopped 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 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 3 tbsp date molasses
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown evenly on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric to the onion mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute until spices bloom and become aromatic.
- Step 4: Return browned lamb to the pot, stirring to coat with the spices. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, and 3 tbsp date molasses, then season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook slowly for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Just before serving, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Garnish each serving with 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Tamarind and Date Molasses 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 Tamarind and Date Molasses?
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 Lamb Stew with Tamarind and Date Molasses?
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 Tamarind and Date Molasses 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 Tamarind and Date Molasses?
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.
