Imagine a dish that transports you to the bustling markets of the Middle East with just one bite - a hearty lamb stew that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, packed with aromatic spices that will make your kitchen smell like a culinary paradise. This Instant Pot Middle Eastern Lamb Stew is not just a meal; it's a journey through centuries-old cooking traditions, simplified for the modern home cook. In just under an hour, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lamb, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Set Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of oil. Brown the lamb cubes in batches, ensuring they develop a deep golden-brown crust on all sides. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle ground cumin and cinnamon over the onions, stirring to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils.
- Return the browned lamb cubes to the Instant Pot and pour in beef broth. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.
- Add drained chickpeas to the stew and let sit for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or mint, and accompanied by rice or flatbread.
Tips
- Pat the lamb dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden crust that locks in flavor.
- Brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent proper caramelization.
- Toast your spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their depth and complexity.
- Use high-quality beef broth for a richer, more robust flavor profile.
- Allow natural pressure release for the first 10 minutes to keep the lamb ultra-tender.
- Don't rush the cooking process - letting the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together.
- For an extra touch of authenticity, garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley just before serving.
- Serve with warm flatbread or rice to soak up the delicious, spice-infused broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
