Lamb Stew - Vintage Recipe

Prep: 30 min Cook: 165 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty vintage lamb stew featuring tender lamb shanks, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery simmered to develop rich flavors. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this classic dish offers comforting, savory goodness with a robust vegetable and meat profile.

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Ingredients

  • 8 potatoes
  • 3 medium onions
  • 4 large carrots
  • 2 stalks celery with leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 4 to 5 lb lamb shank
  • 1 1/2 qt water

Instructions

  1. Cook the lamb shanks in water for 1 3/4 hours.
  2. Let the lamb cool until the fat rises to the top, then scrape off the fat and remove the meat from the bones.
  3. Add diced onions, diced carrots, chopped celery, salt, and pepper to the lamb and cook for 1 hour.
  4. Add the potatoes and cook the stew for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the lamb shanks before boiling them. You can also substitute other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for the potatoes and carrots. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot towards the end of cooking. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasonings as needed to enhance the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty lamb stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful broth. A side salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine, which complements the robust flavors beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover lamb stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without overcooking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lamb Stew - Vintage Recipe contains roughly 1003 calories, with 17g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1082mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

1003 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.3g 35% DV
Total Fat 44.2g 57% DV
Carbs 134.7g 49% DV
Fiber 12.9g 46% DV
Sugar 3.9g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1081.6mg 47% DV
Potassium 3155.1mg 67% DV
Cholesterol 10.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 75.6mg 84% DV
Calcium 59.4mg 5% DV
Iron 3.3mg 19% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 shoulder or leg of lamb. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these cuts may require less time to become tender. Make sure to remove any excess fat and sinew to keep the stew from becoming greasy.

Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To adapt the recipe for a slow cooker, brown the lamb shanks first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deeply flavorful stew.

Can I freeze lamb stew?

Yes, lamb stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it slowly on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed.

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).

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