Spiced Lamb Stew with Apricots

Name: Spiced Lamb Stew with Apricots
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Yield: 5 servings.
Cuisine: Greek Dinner Recipes, Greek Recipes
Ingredients: 2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons butter; 1-1/2 cups chopped sweet onion; 3/4 cup dried apricots; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons ground allspice; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; Hot cooked couscous; Chopped dried apricots, optional

My family loves lamb, especially my son. During his first year of college, he claimed to be a vegetarian. When he came home, I had a pot of this slow-cooked lamb stew simmering on the counter. At dinnertime, my husband and I found only a few shreds of meat left floating in the gravy. My son confessed that he was the culprit! —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Ingredients

2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
3 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 cups chopped sweet onion
3/4 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Hot cooked couscous
Chopped dried apricots, optional

Directions

In a large skillet, brown lamb in butter in batches. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. In the same skillet, saute onion in drippings until tender. Stir in the apricots, orange juice, broth and seasonings; pour over lamb.
Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or until meat is tender. Serve with couscous. Sprinkle with chopped apricots if desired.

Test Kitchen Tip

Not a fan of lamb? That's okay, the flavors meld wonderfully with pork too. Substitute cubed pork shoulder for the lamb stew meat.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup (calculated without couscous): 404 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 975mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 38g protein.

Reviews

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

danpas336

Jul 16, 2014

I made this yesterday for supper. It was simply delicious. After putting all the ingredients together in my slow cooker, I thought the smell of the spices was too strong. But I was wrong. The stew tasted great. I did add 4 carrots (slices) and a cup of fresh peas. I also doubled the chicken stock and orange juice. Turned out great. Will certainly make this again.