Lamb stew
This super easy lamb stew (called ‘aleb khodra) is almost identical to a French lamb stew called navarin printanier. The only difference is no eggplants are featured in the French one. The idea is to first cook the meat chunks (preferably with bones) and onions in water and herbs to make a good stock. Seasonal Spring veggies are then added and the stew simmers till done. If you own a pressure cooker (a favorite appliance in Lebanon) or a slow-cooker (a favorite in the US), it is the ideal appliance for this. I used potatoes, carrots, eggplants, onions, zucchini, green beans, fresh peas and tomatoes. In the French navarin, turnips are used. The idea is to use the seasonal, local veggies.
NOTE: Fresh local garlic is making an appearance in the corner produce markets in Beirut and throwing in a head of garlic in the stew (or just a few cloves) would be a good move.
Lamb stew
Joumana Accad Mediterranean, Middle Eastern May 28, 2015 Main Dish, Meats, tagged, slow cooker, beef, lamb, beef, other red meat, veggies, main dish, stew, other red meat,6 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Passive Time: 90 minutes
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin preferably
1 pound lamb shanks, cut-up in one inch pieces can substitute beef stew meat with bones
1/2 pound onions, chopped or pearl onions, peeled (see note)
1/2 pound carrots peeled and sliced
1/2 pound eggplant peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 pound potatoes peeled, cut into chunks (keep in water till needed)
1 pound tomatoes peeled and chopped (can use 3/4 cup tomato paste)
1/4 pound fresh peas shucked
1/2 pound zucchini sliced
11/2 teaspoon salt to taste
1 teaspoon black or white pepper to taste
3 bay leaves
6 garlic cloves or more, to taste
4 sprigs thyme or oregano
4 sprigs rosemary or marjoram
2 tbsp flour optional
1/2 pound green beans tips cut off and cut in half
Instructions
1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot and brown the lamb pieces all over. Remove the lamb and add the onions and fry till golden. Sprinkle the flour, spices, garlic cloves, and about 6 cups of water, cover and simmer for 45 minutes till lamb pieces are tender.
2. Add the veggies to the stew starting with the potatoes, peas and carrots, tomatoes (or tomato paste); after 20 minutes, add the other veggies and simmer another 20 minutes. Let the stew rest for a while and serve warm.
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Comments
5 Comments • Comments Feed
Susan says:
My mouth is watering looking at your beautiful dish of stew! Not much in the way of fresh vegetables growing here yet but, luckily, there is always a good variety from warmer parts of the country at the stores here.
On May 30, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Linda says:
I love lamb and this looks and sounds scrumptious! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
On May 31, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Jason Argon says:
“Life without celebration is a long road without a lodge”,”Poverty wants amusement”,Greek proverbs.Summer ,a perod of feasts- mostly religious -in Greece.After the Divine Liturgy a meal is offerred to the pilgrims and in many parts of Greece is called “courbani” with the same meaning as in Arabic.Here I post a video showing a goat stew courbani in the tiny island of Amorgos on St.Paraskevi’s day (July 26th) using potatoes only.It won’t be all Greek to youhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w300hR5BOT0 Iwill be very glad to provide you any explanation.The cook cooks this meal for about 2500 persons.I wish you allthe best with your endeavours and a pleasant and cool rest of the summer!
On August 14, 2015 at 9:41 pm
Joumana says:
@Jason Argon;Thank you so so much for your enlightened contribution to this site of mine! 🙂
I find it fascinating. 🙂
On August 16, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Foodshot says:
Looks and sounds great, thanks for sharing the recipe we’re going to give it a go!
On June 4, 2019 at 5:25 am