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.
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.

Originally published as SLOW COOKER SWEETLY SPICED AND SAVORY LAMB STEW in Taste of Home Everyday Slow Cooker & One Dish Recipes 2013

Reviews

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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.