Greek Lamb Stew

Savor the Flavors of Greece with Greek Lamb Stew

Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with our tantalizing Greek Lamb Stew recipe. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and hearty ingredients, this stew is a celebration of tradition and culinary excellence. Tender lamb, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a touch of citrus come together in a symphony of taste that will leave you craving more. In this extensive blog post, we’ll guide you through the preparation of this mouthwatering dish, answer common questions, offer cooking tips and variations, and even provide keto and low-carb versions for those with dietary preferences. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece!

Ingredients

Meat:

  • 1 lb Lamb shoulder blade chops

Produce:

  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 lb Green beans, fresh
  • 1/2 Lemon
  • 1 Onion, large
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano, dried
  • 1/4 cup Parsley, fresh
  • 2 cups Tomatoes

Condiments:

  • 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato sauce

Baking & Spices:

  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, ground
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

Beer, Wine & Liquor:

  • 1/2 cup Dry red wine

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the tomatoes. Trim the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop the parsley and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the lamb shoulder chops to the pot and sear them on both sides until they are browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Once the lamb is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  5. Return the lamb shoulder chops to the pot. Pour in the dry red wine and allow it to simmer for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bay leaf, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Pour in the lamb stock, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are covered. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
  8. Allow the stew to simmer gently for 1-1.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  9. About 15 minutes before serving, add the green beans to the stew. Continue to simmer until the beans are tender but still have a slight bite.
  10. Just before serving, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the stew and stir in the fresh parsley.
  11. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
  12. Serve the Greek Lamb Stew hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the rich flavors of Greece!

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Make-Ahead Option: Greek Lamb Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare the stew in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  • Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist on this dish, omit the lamb and use vegetable broth instead of lamb stock. Increase the quantity of vegetables such as green beans, tomatoes, and onions, and add additional Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary for flavor.
  • Slow Cooker Method: To make this stew in a slow cooker, follow steps 1-4 to brown the lamb and sauté the onions and garlic. Transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients, except for the green beans and parsley. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the green beans and parsley during the last hour of cooking.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can adapt this Greek Lamb Stew recipe:

  • Keto Version: Omit the tomatoes and tomato sauce, as they can be higher in carbohydrates. Instead, use diced bell peppers and zucchini for added flavor and texture. Ensure that the dry red wine you use is keto-friendly, and adjust the quantity of onions to fit your macros.
  • Low-Carb Version: Similar to the keto version, reduce the amount of tomatoes and tomato sauce to keep the carb count lower. Use a low-carb vegetable broth instead of lamb stock, and consider adding extra herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile without adding carbohydrates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different cut of lamb for this stew? A: Absolutely! While lamb shoulder chops are ideal for slow cooking, you can also use lamb stew meat or leg of lamb cut into cubes. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the cut of meat you choose.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this stew? A: Yes, Greek Lamb Stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What can I serve with Greek Lamb Stew? A: This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Greek Lamb Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With its tender lamb, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables, this stew is a feast for the senses that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as part of a festive gathering, this dish is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

So, gather your ingredients, embrace the warmth of the kitchen, and prepare to savor the rich flavors of Greece with this unforgettable Greek Lamb Stew. From the first spoonful to the last, let the taste of tradition and culinary excellence envelop you in a world of culinary delight.

Opa! Enjoy!