Greek-Style Lamb Stew

While the broiler and the grill may be the most familiar cooking tools for lamb chops and racks of lamb, the slow cooker is another surprising appliance that can turn tougher cuts into a sumptuous dish. Marla Clark of Albuquerque, New Mexico, leverages the slow cooker in her Greek-style lamb stew recipe, where she captures the flavors of traditional Mediterranean recipes by simmering lamb with ripe olives, fresh garlic, tomatoes, oregano and mint.

Most of the work for this recipe happens in the slow cooker, so it’s possible to make it as a regular weeknight dinner. As easy as it is, it would nonetheless be right at home as the star entree for holiday dinners or for a dinner party.

Ingredients for Greek-Style Lamb Stew

• Lamb stew meat: Unlike cuts like tenderloin that need gentle cooking, lamb stew meat is perfect for long, slow braising in the slow cooker. Stew meat is a mixture of tough cuts like shoulder, neck and shank, which have more connective tissue. Slow cooking over low heat breaks down this tissue, leaving the stew meat moist and tender.
• Diced tomatoes: It’s worth stocking up your pantry with this staple because there are so many amazing canned tomato recipes. Look for regular diced tomatoes without extra seasonings.
• Chickpeas: Also known as garbanzo beans, these protein-rich legumes only need a quick rinse before they go into the slow cooker.
• Artichoke hearts: Keep canned artichoke hearts in the pantry and use them in this stew and in other delicious artichoke recipes like Greek chicken and rice.
• Olives: You can choose which type of olives you’d like to use for this recipe. We’d recommend black olives or briny kalamatas.
• Olive oil: The lamb meat is quickly seared in olive oil before it’s slow-cooked.
• Garlic: Mince garlic cloves with a knife, a ribbon grater or a mini chopper.
• Spices: The Mediterranean herbs and spices in this lamb stew are oregano, mint, salt and pepper. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds just a bit of heat.
• Toppings: Crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves are optional toppings that accentuate the Mediterranean flavors of this stew.

Directions

Step 1: Sear the lamb meat

In a Dutch oven or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the lamb stew meat in batches, adding more oil to the pan as necessary. Remove the browned meat with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a 5-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Add remaining ingredients and cook

Add the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, olives, garlic, oregano, mint, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper to the slow cooker, and stir to combine them.

Cover and cook the ingredients on low until the lamb is tender, seven to eight hours.

Step 3: Garnish and serve

Serve the Greek-style lamb stew garnished with feta cheese crumbles and fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Greek-Style Lamb Stew Variations

• Use fresh tomatoes: If your garden is overflowing with juicy tomatoes, skip the canned stuff! Dice fresh tomatoes to add to this dish.
• Try a splash of lemon juice: A little lemon juice added at the end of the cooking time balances the rich dish with its bright acidity. Lemon pairs beautifully with Mediterranean flavors.

How to Store Greek-Style Lamb Stew

Leftover Greek lamb stew can be reheated for quick suppers or comforting lunches. Let the stew cool, then transfer it to a sealed food storage dish. Store the stew in the refrigerator.

How long does lamb stew last?

When lamb stew is kept chilled in an airtight container, it will last for three to four days.

Can you freeze lamb stew?

Yes, freezing is a good option for Greek-style lamb stew so you can quickly grab it for future meals. Transfer the cooled stew to a freezer-proof container and seal it tightly. Store lamb stew in the freezer for up to three months. Allow the stew to defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating it.

How should you reheat Greek-style lamb stew?

One way to reheat this stew is in the microwave. Transfer it to a heat-proof bowl and heat the stew in one- to two-minute bursts, stirring after each, until it’s warmed through. You can also gently warm the stew on the stovetop. Pour it into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring often.

Greek-Style Lamb Stew Tips

How do you make Greek-style lamb stew on the stovetop?

After searing the lamb stew meat in a Dutch oven, add the rest of the ingredients right to the pot. Cover and cook the lamb over low heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. The meat is ready when it’s tender and falling apart.

What can you serve with Greek-style lamb stew?

Serve this Mediterranean lamb stew with a side of store-bought or homemade pita bread that’s been warmed in the oven. Balance the rich dish with a light vegetable dish or salad, like a Greek garden salad, sauteed zucchini or a cherry tomato salad dressed with basil and oregano.