Spiced Lamb and Chickpea Stew

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

A hearty Middle Eastern stew featuring spiced ground lamb and chickpeas, simmered until tender for a warming and satisfying meal. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 40 minutes pairs (about 4 oz) ground lamb, canned chickpeas (drained), olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, and 1 whole cinnamon stick, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup ground lamb and cook, breaking it apart, for 5 minutes until browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add 1 cup drained canned chickpeas and 1 cup vegetable broth.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until flavors meld and the stew thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove cinnamon stick, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lamb and Chickpea Stew take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Spiced Lamb and Chickpea 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 (about 4 oz) ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lamb and Chickpea 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 Spiced Lamb and Chickpea Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spiced Lamb and Chickpea Stew?

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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