Ingredients
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2 pounds (about 900g) boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces Lamb stew meat
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2 tablespoons Olive Oil
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1 / chopped Large onion
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3 cloves / minced Garlic
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4 / peeled and sliced into rounds Carrots
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4 / sliced Celery Stalks
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2-3 / peeled and diced Potatoes
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1 cup / (fresh or frozen) Peas
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4 cups Beef or vegetable broth
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1 cup / (optional) Red wine
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2 Bay leaves
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1 teaspoon Dried thyme
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1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons (for thickening, optional) All-purpose flour
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Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the lamb pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the lamb and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- If you’re using flour to thicken the stew, sprinkle it over the onions and garlic and cook for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Return the browned lamb to the pot and add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Add the beef or vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the lamb is tender. You can also cook it in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
- About 20 minutes before serving, add the peas to the stew and stir.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
- Serve the lamb stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. You can enjoy it with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.
Feel free to customize this basic lamb stew recipe by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or bell peppers, and adjust the herbs and seasonings to your taste. Enjoy your homemade lamb stew!