Greek Lamb Stew
A hearty Greek lamb stew featuring tender lamb, rich tomato flavors, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings with robust tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions and lamb in olive oil until browned.
- Add tomato sauce, water, beef bouillon cube, oregano, marjoram, ground pepper, bay leaf, and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to tenderize the lamb.
- Add green pepper and eggplant to the stew.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add tomato wedges and olives; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the lamb in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have beef bouillon, vegetable stock works well as a substitute. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for variety, just ensure they are cut to a similar size for even cooking. This stew can be enhanced by a dash of lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Greek Lamb Stew hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or rice to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider a side of Mediterranean recipes like a fresh Greek salad or roasted vegetables, which complement the rich flavors of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated. This stew also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Lamb Stew contains roughly 901 calories, with 26g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (382% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 107g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cut of lamb for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts like lamb shanks or neck. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is tender. Cuts with more connective tissue will become more tender with longer cooking times.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in this recipe?
While fresh herbs enhance the flavor, dried herbs like oregano and marjoram can be used if fresh is not available. Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh to avoid overpowering the dish.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this lamb stew in a slow cooker, follow the initial sautéing on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the lamb is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
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).