Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Lamb Neck Stew?
It is a hearty and budget-friendly meal that transforms lamb necks and sweet vegetables into a tender, flavorful stew using a slow cooker.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the main ingredients for the stew?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of meaty lamb necks, carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, and a seasoned tomato-based sauce.
How should the lamb necks be prepared?
The lamb necks should be trimmed of excess fat and browned on all sides in a skillet for 5-7 minutes before slow cooking.
What vegetables are used in this recipe?
The stew contains 4 carrots cut into chunks, 2 peeled and quartered sweet potatoes, and 1 halved and sliced onion.
How long does the stew need to cook?
The stew should be cooked on the low setting of a slow cooker for 8 hours.
What spices are used for the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, a pinch of allspice, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
What liquid is added to the sauce?
The sauce includes 1 cup of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1/2 cup of water.
Do I need to brown the meat?
Yes, browning the lamb necks for 5-7 minutes enhances the flavor of the finished dish.
How do I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Place carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic at the bottom, add half the sauce, layer the lamb necks on top, and pour over the remaining sauce.
Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought tomato sauce for this recipe.
Is this a budget-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as an incredibly budget-friendly meal that elevates humble ingredients.
What should I serve with the lamb neck stew?
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or jasmine rice.
How much honey is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of honey.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What type of salt is recommended?
You can use either 1 teaspoon of sea salt or kosher salt.
How are the sweet potatoes prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and quartered.
How are the carrots prepared?
The carrots should be cut into chunks.
What is the purpose of adding water?
Adding 1/2 cup of water provides the necessary moisture for the slow cooking process to create a tender result.
Can I use a high heat setting on the slow cooker?
The recipe specifically recommends cooking on low for 8 hours to ensure the lamb is tender.
Is the onion diced?
No, the onion should be halved and sliced.
How much lamb neck is needed?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of meaty lamb necks.
What is the final garnish suggestion?
You can garnish the stew with fresh herbs before serving.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What size should the carrots be?
The carrots should be cut into chunks, which allows them to withstand the long cooking time.
Is allspice a major component of the flavor?
Only a pinch of allspice is used, providing a subtle background warmth to the stew.
What is the role of cumin in this stew?
1 teaspoon of cumin is used to provide an earthy, aromatic depth to the sauce.
Can I make this if I am not an experienced cook?
Yes, with 'easy recipe' and 'slow-cooker' tags, it is designed to be simple and accessible.
What makes the lamb necks tender?
The slow-cooking process over 8 hours breaks down the connective tissue in the lamb necks, making them incredibly tender.
How much pepper is added?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of pepper.