Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with our delicious Lamb Stew with Green Beans recipe. Bursting with savory flavors and hearty ingredients, this stew is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening or impress your guests at a dinner party. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow and immensely satisfying to devour. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of lamb stew!
Ingredients
Meat:
- 3 lbs Lamb shoulder, boneless
Produce:
- 1 stalk Celery
- 2 lbs Green beans, fresh
- 1 Onion, large
- 1 tbsp Parsley, fresh
Condiments:
- 1 (8 ounce) can Tomato sauce
Baking & Spices:
- 1/2 tsp Dill weed, dried
- 1/2 tsp Mint, dried
- 1 pinch Cinnamon, ground
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch White sugar
Oils & Vinegars:
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
Liquids:
- 3 cups Water, hot
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the lamb shoulder and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery, onion, and parsley. Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Brown the Lamb: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the lamb pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Add the lamb to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
- Saute the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the green beans, dill weed, and mint to the pot, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the hot water and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and
a pinch of white sugar to balance the flavors.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the stew is too thick, you can add
more hot water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the lamb is tender and the stew has reached your desired thickness, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the lamb stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Slow Cooker Method: To make this stew in a slow cooker, follow steps 1 and 2 as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lamb is tender.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the lamb and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have dill weed or mint on hand, you can substitute with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of your stew. Add a pinch of cumin for warmth or smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cut of lamb for this stew? A: Absolutely! While lamb shoulder is traditional for stews due to its tenderness, you can also use lamb leg or lamb chops. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut you choose.
Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time? A: Yes, this stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Is lamb stew keto-friendly? A: Lamb is a great protein source for a keto diet, but the tomato sauce in this recipe may contain added sugars. You can omit the tomato sauce or use a sugar-free alternative to make it more keto-friendly.
Keto-Friendly Version
For a keto-friendly version of this stew, omit the tomato sauce and use beef broth or bone broth instead of water. You can also add extra low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for additional flavor and nutrients.
Low-Carb Version
To make a low-carb version of this stew, simply reduce the amount of green beans used and increase the amount of other low-carb vegetables like celery, onions, and bell peppers. You can also use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum or guar gum to achieve the desired consistency.
In conclusion, our Lamb Stew with Green Beans is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this hearty stew is sure to be a hit. With tender pieces of lamb, vibrant green beans, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices, this stew is as delicious as it is satisfying.
So, next time you’re craving a hearty and comforting meal, give this lamb stew a try. With its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it up with crusty bread or a side salad for a
complete and satisfying meal.
