This Italian Lamb Stew is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for chilly nights. The tender lamb pieces are cooked in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. It's a dish that will warm your soul and leave you wanting more. Serve it with crusty bread or over creamy polenta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless lamb, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb pieces and brown on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Return the lamb to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the lamb is tender and the flavors are well blended. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the Italian Lamb Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy this flavorful and hearty stew with crusty bread or over creamy polenta.
Interesting Facts
Lamb is a traditional meat choice in Italian cuisine and is commonly used in various stews and ragus.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the lamb to become tender and succulent.
The combination of red wine and tomatoes gives this stew a rich and robust flavor profile.
You can make this stew ahead of time and reheat it for an even more delicious meal the next day.