Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty German Lamb Stew with Sour Cream?
It is a traditional German-inspired dish featuring tender cubed lamb simmered slowly in a savory broth with fresh herbs and finished with creamy sour cream.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of lean boneless lamb, which should be cubed for the stew.
How do I prepare the lamb before slow cooking?
You should brown the cubed lamb in olive oil for 5 to 7 minutes, drain the fat, and then coat it in a mixture of flour, salt, and spices.
What setting should I use on my crock pot?
Cook the stew on the Low setting for 10 to 12 hours, then switch to High for the final 30 minutes of cooking.
What should I serve with this lamb stew?
This hearty stew is best served hot over a bed of buttered noodles.
How do I thicken the German lamb stew?
Whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of water, then stir the mixture into the crock pot 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
When should I add the sour cream?
The sour cream should be gently folded into the stew at the very end of the cooking process until it is well combined and heated through.
Which spices give this stew its traditional flavor?
The traditional flavor comes from a blend of dill seed, caraway seed, rosemary, and tarragon vinegar.
Do I need to brown the meat first?
Yes, browning the lamb in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering is recommended to enhance the flavor of the dish.
What kind of broth is recommended for this stew?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of beef broth as the liquid base.
Can I use a specific type of vinegar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of tarragon vinegar.
How much lamb do I need?
You will need 2 pounds of lean boneless lamb.
Is onion included in the ingredients?
Yes, one large chopped onion is added to the crock pot along with the lamb and broth.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large skillet and saute the cubed lamb until it is browned on all sides.
How long does the thickening process take?
Once the flour and water mixture is added, it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to thicken while cooking on high.
How much sour cream is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sour cream to finish the stew.
What herbs are used in the flour coating?
The coating mixture include salt, dill seed, caraway seed, and rosemary.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Can I add extra sour cream as a garnish?
Yes, you can garnish the served dish with additional sour cream for an extra touch of creaminess.
How many tablespoons of olive oil are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil for browning the lamb.
What is the total amount of flour used?
A total of 4 tablespoons of flour is used: 2 tablespoons for the initial coating and 2 tablespoons for the thickening slurry.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning the lamb cubes.
How much dill seed is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dill seed.
How much caraway seed is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seed.
How much rosemary is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of rosemary.
How much salt is used for seasoning?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of salt.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe recommends using one large onion, chopped.
Is the lamb stew cooked on high or low?
It is cooked on Low for the majority of the time (10-12 hours) and then switched to High for the final 30 minutes.
What is the preparation style for the lamb?
The lamb should be boneless and cubed for this stew.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, this dish is designed to be prepared effortlessly in a crock pot or slow cooker.