Mediterranean Lamb & Artichoke Stew
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Mediterranean Lamb & Artichoke Stew, a hearty dish that brings together tender lamb, caramelized onions, and artichoke hearts in a savory tomato and wine sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and elegant meal, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Topped with crunchy walnuts and creamy feta cheese, each bite delivers a delightful medley of textures and tastes that will transport you to the heart of Greece.
6
Servings
527
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean lamb shoulder
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch chunks)
yellow onions
6 large (halved lengthwise)
canned tomato puree
2 cups (none)
dry red wine
1 cup (none)
red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
minced garlic
2 tablespoons (none)
cinnamon stick
1 (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (none)
artichoke hearts
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and quartered)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a large slow cooker, combine the lamb shoulder, yellow onions, tomato puree, dry red wine, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
2
Add the cinnamon stick, salt, pepper, sugar, allspice, cumin, and oregano to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender and the onions are soft and caramelized.
4
About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the drained and quartered artichoke hearts, cover, and let stand until heated through.
5
Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped walnuts and crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and crunch.
Nutrition Information
33g
Fat
20g
Carbs
32g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Lamb & Artichoke Stew?
It is a hearty dish combining tender lamb, caramelized onions, and artichoke hearts in a savory tomato and red wine sauce, finished with walnuts and feta.
What cut of meat should I use for this lamb stew?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of lean lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
You will need 6 large yellow onions, halved lengthwise, which caramelize during the long cooking process.
How long does this stew cook in the slow cooker?
The stew should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours until the lamb is fork-tender.
When do I add the artichoke hearts to the stew?
Add the drained and quartered artichoke hearts about 5 minutes before serving so they can heat through without becoming too soft.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 527 calories, 33g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 32g of protein.
What type of wine is best for Mediterranean Lamb Stew?
A dry red wine is recommended to complement the rich flavors of the lamb and tomato puree.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
While red wine vinegar provides the best flavor profile, you could use balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
What spices are used in this Greek-inspired dish?
The stew is seasoned with a cinnamon stick, allspice, cumin, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar.
Are there any crunchy toppings recommended?
Yes, the recipe suggests sprinkling chopped walnuts on top before serving for a delightful texture.
Is feta cheese included in this recipe?
Yes, crumbled feta cheese is added at the end to provide a creamy and salty finish to the dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Do I need to remove the cinnamon stick?
Yes, the cinnamon stick should be removed and discarded before ladling the stew into bowls.
What type of tomato product is used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of canned tomato puree.
Is there any fresh herb used for garnish?
Fresh chopped parsley is used to add a bright finish to the stew.
Can I use frozen artichokes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen artichokes; just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the slow cooker.
How much garlic is in the Mediterranean Lamb Stew?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the stew?
A small amount of sugar (1/2 teaspoon) is used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and hearty, focusing on lean protein and vegetables.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
While low is recommended for the best texture, you can typically cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours.
What should the lamb texture be like when finished?
The lamb should be fork-tender, meaning it easily pulls apart with a fork.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, its comforting and elegant nature makes it perfect for family meals or cozy evenings.
What kind of onions are preferred?
Yellow onions are preferred for their ability to sweeten and caramelize over long cooking periods.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 17 ingredients used to make this Mediterranean Lamb & Artichoke Stew.
Is the artichoke preparation specific?
Yes, they should be drained from their liquid and quartered before being added to the pot.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, lamb stew, slow cooker, greek cuisine, comfort food, artichokes, healthy, and hearty.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, stews often taste better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld.
What size should the lamb chunks be?
The lamb shoulder should be cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
Is there any sodium information?
Specific sodium milligrams are not listed, but the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the best way to serve this stew?
Ladle it into bowls and top it with walnuts, feta, and fresh parsley for the full flavor experience.