Lamb And Lentil Stew
A hearty lamb and lentil stew with rich flavors, tender meat, and nutritious vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or satisfying gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups dried lentils
- 4 cups liquid from soaked lentils ⓘ
- Water (as needed to make 4 cups) ⓘ
- 2 1/2 pounds lamb shoulder ⓘ
- Flour ⓘ
- Salt and pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves crushed garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and pick over the lentils.
- Put the lentils into a deep bowl and cover with water.
- Soak overnight.
- Drain the lentils.
- Measure the soaking liquid and add enough water to make 4 cups.
- Add lentils to the liquid and simmer until tender.
- Meanwhile, season the lamb shoulder with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, crushed garlic, and chopped celery; cook until softened.
- Add the seasoned lamb and brown on all sides.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and oregano.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the lamb is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Add diced carrots and cooked lentils to the stew and cook until carrots are tender.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the lamb shoulder overnight with herbs and spices. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. To save time, use pre-cooked lentils. Adding diced tomatoes can enhance the stew's richness. This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lamb and lentil stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add freshness to the meal. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Sausage Stuffed Zucchini. A dollop of yogurt can also provide a creamy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture. This stew also freezes well for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lamb And Lentil Stew contains roughly 1181 calories, with 36g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (260% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1998mg per serving (87% 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 stew?
Yes, you can substitute the lamb shoulder with beef or chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken will require less time to become tender. If using beef, chuck roast is a great alternative that will also provide a rich flavor.
How do I make this stew vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the lamb with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of the soaking liquid and omit Worcestershire sauce, or use a vegan version. The lentils will still provide protein and texture.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply stir in additional water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to adjust the seasoning afterward, as adding more liquid may dilute the flavors. A splash of vinegar can also brighten the overall taste.
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).