Shirley Maclaine'S Gourmet Lamb Stew
A hearty lamb stew with rich flavors of tomato, garlic, and aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 lb. leg of lamb ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lard or shortening ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. bouquet garni ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 10 sugar cubes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 1 tsp. beef extract
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled ⓘ
- 6 pearl onions, peeled ⓘ
- 2 small yellow turnips, peeled ⓘ
- 2 small carrots, scraped
- 3 Tbsp. sweet butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Have the butcher prepare the lamb by removing the fell and bone, trimming excess fat, and cutting the lamb into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
- Heat lard or shortening in a large skillet until sizzling.
- Add the lamb cubes and brown on all sides until golden, stirring frequently.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add minced garlic and cook over very low heat until the garlic begins to smell.
- Add water enough to barely cover the meat, tomato paste, bouquet garni, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the lamb overnight in red wine and herbs. If you don't have lard, bacon fat or olive oil can work as substitutes. You can also replace the bouquet garni with a mix of thyme, bay leaf, and parsley. For a thicker stew, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty lamb stew with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a unique twist, try it alongside 'Carne Con Papas' for a fusion dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shirley Maclaine'S Gourmet Lamb Stew contains roughly 1737 calories, with 40g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 143g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (216% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1651mg per serving (72% 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 cut of lamb for this stew?
Yes, while leg of lamb is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use shoulder or shank cuts. These cuts have great flavor and become tender when slow-cooked, making them suitable alternatives for this recipe.
What can I add to make the stew more flavorful?
In addition to the basic ingredients, you can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also elevate the taste, bringing a lovely aroma to the dish.
Is this stew suitable for special dietary needs?
This lamb stew can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Additionally, check that your beef extract is gluten-free. For a lower-fat option, trim more fat from the lamb or use a leaner cut.
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).