Aruba Cucumber Lamb
A flavorful Caribbean-inspired lamb stew with fresh cucumbers, hot chilies, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for hearty gatherings or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless lamb meat ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- fresh hot chilies or 3/8 tsp dried crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 3/8 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cucumbers peeled, seeded and shredded ⓘ
- 1 cucumber peeled in strips and sliced thin
Instructions
- Season the lamb meat with salt and pepper.
- In a large kettle, brown the lamb meat in oil.
- Remove the browned meat and set aside.
- Drain the kettle, reserving 3 tablespoons of oil.
- Add the onions, celery, green pepper, and fresh hot chilies (if using) to the kettle and sauté until limp.
- Return the meat to the kettle along with dried, crushed red pepper (if using), garlic, pepper, and water.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours, adding more water if necessary.
- Add shredded cucumbers and tomato wedges before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the Aruba Cucumber Lamb, consider marinating the lamb overnight in a mixture of spices. If you don't have fresh hot chilies, feel free to use jalapeños for a similar heat level. Adding a splash of vinegar can brighten the dish, balancing the richness of the meat. For a twist, incorporate diced tomatoes or bell peppers from a recipe like Creole Sausage Jambalaya.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Aruba Cucumber Lamb with a side of fluffy rice or warm naan to soak up the flavorful sauce. A fresh cucumber salad or a light coleslaw pairs well, adding a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a dish like Schnitzel Franconian, which complements the rich flavors of the lamb.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the lamb over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. If reheating in the microwave, cover the dish to prevent drying out, heating in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aruba Cucumber Lamb contains roughly 2077 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 230g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the lamb with beef or chicken, although cooking times may vary slightly. Ground meat can also work, but the dish will have a different texture. Be sure to adjust seasoning to match the chosen meat's flavor.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, simply add more water or broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This will also help enhance the flavor. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Aruba Cucumber Lamb a day ahead. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight; just reheat gently before serving. It's a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).