Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than this delicious lamb stew, inspired by the culinary genius of Jamie Oliver. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or impressing guests with a taste of homemade goodness. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and requires minimal active cooking time, making it an ideal addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. This is a healthy meal packed with flavour and nutritious ingredients. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups lamb stock (or beef broth)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Lamb
Season the lamb cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This browning step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Set the browned lamb aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Building the Stew
Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the lamb stock and red wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 1.5 hours, or until the lamb is incredibly tender.
Step 4: Adding Potatoes and Peas
After 1.5 hours, add the cubed potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. This delicious dish is perfect for a satisfying and warming meal.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in lamb shoulder. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as turnips, parsnips, or mushrooms.
- If you don't have lamb stock, you can substitute with beef broth or even chicken broth, although the flavor will be slightly different.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add a nice umami flavor.
- For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 35-40g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This lamb stew recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be, showcasing the best recipes for a comforting and healthy dinner. Enjoy!