Smith's Spiced Lamb and Apricot Stew

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

A rich, slow-cooked stew blending tender lamb with sweet apricots, warm spices, and a velvety tomato base. This middle eastern-inspired soups ready in about 105 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, dried apricots, onion 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and 1 chopped onion, cooking for 5 minutes until browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp cumin. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups water, add 1 cup dried apricots, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until lamb is tender. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Spiced Lamb and Apricot Stew take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (15 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 Smith's Spiced Lamb and Apricot Stew?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Spiced Lamb and Apricot Stew?

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 Smith's Spiced Lamb and Apricot Stew 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 Smith's Spiced Lamb and Apricot Stew?

Middle Eastern soups 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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