Description

Lamb Tomato Stew is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked in a rich tomato base with fresh herbs and vegetables. This flavorful stew offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes, making it an ideal meal for cozy evenings and family gatherings. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s a nutritious and satisfying recipe that improves with leftovers and can be adapted for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Lamb and Meat

1.5 lbs fresh lamb shoulder, cut into bite-sized chunks

Vegetables

2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped

Herbs and Spices

2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp ground cumin
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil (for searing and sautéing)
3 cups beef or vegetable stock

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare and brown the lamb: Cut the lamb into bite-sized chunks and pat them dry to ensure a good sear. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, then brown the lamb pieces on all sides until they develop a golden crust—this locks in moisture and flavor.
Sauté the vegetables: After removing the browned lamb, reduce the heat slightly and add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, soaking up all those rich browned bits left behind by the meat.
Add tomatoes and herbs: Pour in diced tomatoes along with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to start melding the flavors.
Combine lamb and simmer: Return the browned lamb to the pot, add stock until the meat is just covered, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours until the lamb is tender and the stew thickens.
Final seasoning and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, remove herb sprigs, and let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors settle beautifully.

Notes

Brown the lamb well: Proper searing adds depth and prevents the stew from tasting flat.
Use fresh herbs: They bring brightness that balances the hearty meat and tomato sauce.
Cook low and slow: This breaks down the lamb fibers for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Don’t rush the simmering process: The flavors develop best with time, so patience pays off.
Skim off excess fat: For a cleaner taste and lighter texture, remove any fat that gathers on the surface.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg