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Instant Pot Lamb Stew – Great Meal Recipes

Name: Instant Pot Lamb Stew – Great Meal Recipes
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4–6 4–6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons tablespoons olive oil, ghee, or unsalted butter; ½ – 1 ¾ pounds lamb stew meat; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 small cinnamon stick; 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoons raw honey or packed brown sugar; 1¼ cup chicken broth or stock; ¼ cup dried raisins, chopped dried apricots, or dried currants

Barbara Brito August 8, 2025

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate

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What to Pair with Instant Pot Lamb Stew

Before diving into the delicious details of Instant Pot lamb stew, let’s talk pairings. This dish is rich and savory, making it a perfect companion to a variety of sides. Picture a crusty piece of bread, ready to soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce. A fresh, crisp salad can cut through the richness.

Try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to bring brightness. If you want something heartier, consider serving the stew with couscous or mashed potatoes. These options not only complement the stew but also elevate your meal to a whole new level.

Now that we have our sides in mind, let’s jump into why this recipe is a gem for anyone looking to impress their friends or simply enjoy a comforting meal.

Why This Recipe is Great for You

As a registered dietitian and devoted home cook, I’m all about recipes that offer flavor without fuss. Instant Pot lamb stew is just that.

You get tender, flavorful lamb in record time, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. Plus, the ingredients here pack a nutritional punch. Lamb is rich in iron and protein, which your body craves. The vegetables and spices contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

The best part? This recipe can be made quickly, freeing up time for you to kick back, sip on a glass of wine, or indulge in some well-deserved Netflix binge-watching. Trust me, once you try it, this stew will be your go-to for those cozy nights.

My Experience with the Ingredients

Let me share a personal story about how I discovered the perfect balance of flavors for this stew. I was browsing through my spice cabinet one day, looking for inspiration, and my eyes landed on cumin and turmeric. I knew then that I had to incorporate those warm spices into my next lamb dish. I gathered the rest of my ingredients: aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and hearty chickpeas. As I chopped and diced, smells of nostalgia enveloped me. My family often cooked with these ingredients, reflecting our cultural roots.

Ingredients List

For my Instant Pot lamb stew, I used the following ingredients, which I find blend beautifully together:

1 medium onion, finely chopped
4–6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil, ghee, or unsalted butter
1 ½ – 1 ¾ pounds lamb stew meat (shoulder, leg, or shank), cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground cumin (or 1 teaspoon ground cumin plus 1 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes (plus extra for garnish)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds subtle smokiness)
1 small cinnamon stick (for extra warm depth, remove before serving)
2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or substitute with red wine vinegar)
1–2 tablespoons raw honey or packed brown sugar
1 ¼ cups chicken broth or stock
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
¼ cup dried raisins, chopped dried apricots, or dried currants

How to Make Instant Pot Lamb Stew

Let’s get to the fun part—the cooking! This recipe is straightforward and utilizes the Instant Pot to minimize the time spent at the stove.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by selecting the Sauté setting on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil, or your choice of ghee or unsalted butter, into the pot. Once hot, throw in the chopped onions. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, until they’re translucent. Then add in the garlic, and sauté for another minute until fragrant. I always believe that good flavor starts with well-sautéed aromatics.

Step 2: Brown the Lamb

Now it’s time to bring the lamb into the mix. Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the lamb stew meat and place it into the pot. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. This step isn’t just for show; browning builds flavor that enhances the entire dish.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Once the lamb is browned, add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, Aleppo chili flakes, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together, letting those spices coat the meat. The colors will pop, and the scents will take over your kitchen.

Step 4: Incorporate the Liquids

Next, stir in the tomato paste, making sure to incorporate it well with the meat. Then pour in the apple cider vinegar, and scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is essential as you don’t want any flavor wasted. Now, add in the chicken broth and put in the small cinnamon stick.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set it for 35 minutes. Trust me; this is where the magic happens. The Instant Pot works wonders on tough cuts, breaking them down into tender perfection.

Step 6: Release the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, you can carefully release any remaining steam. Open the lid, and take a moment to breathe in the beautiful aroma of your stew.

Step 7: Add Chickpeas and Dried Fruits

Now, gently fold in the chickpeas and your choice of dried fruits. These bring a lovely sweetness and texture that complements the rich flavor of the lamb. Let them heat through for about 5 minutes while you prepare to serve.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the stew into bowls, and don’t forget to remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Top with additional Aleppo chili flakes for a kick if you’re feeling adventurous. Serve it alongside that crusty bread or salad you prepared earlier.

Nutrition Information

Recipe Notes

Lamb Stew Meat: Using cuts like the shoulder or leg will yield tender results. Avoid lean cuts; you want the richness.
Spices: Freshly ground spices give a depth that pre-ground ones can’t match. Whenever possible, grind your own.
Dried Fruits: Choose fruits based on your preference. Raisins offer sweetness, while dried apricots add a fruity tang that cuts through the richness.

Recipe Variations

If you’re in the mood to switch things up, consider these variations:

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the lamb for hearty mushrooms or jackfruit. Adjust the cooking time based on your choice.
Different Beans: Instead of chickpeas, use white beans or lentils. They both mesh well with the spices.
Optional Vegetables: Add carrots or potatoes for extra heartiness. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Instant Pot lamb stew is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a chilly evening. It combines rich flavors with heartiness, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners. With its easy preparation and the ability to customize, it’s truly a winner in my kitchen.

Whether you’re making it on a lazy Sunday or prepping for a busy week, this recipe will quickly become a staple. So, grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and ready yourself for a dish that’s bound to make your kitchen smell incredible. Happy cooking!

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Instant Pot Lamb Stew – Great Meal Recipes

Author: Barbara Brito Cuisine: Mediterranean Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4 Calories: 430

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Before diving into the delicious details of Instant Pot lamb stew, let's talk pairings. This dish is rich and savory, making it a perfect companion to a variety of sides. Picture a crusty piece of bread, ready to soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce. A fresh, crisp salad can cut through the richness.