Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Spring Lamb Stew

Spring Lamb Stew

Celebrate the return of warmth with this classic dish

Spring means flower buds, baby bunnies – and fresh, local veggies.

Spring Lamb Stew – called Navarin Printanier in France, where it’s very popular – is a century-old dish that’s perfect for the season. After a long winter, who doesn’t want to celebrate with the freshest produce from local markets?

Spring fever never tasted so good.


Spring Lamb Stew

Recipe: Spring Lamb Stew

We like to make this dish with lamb shoulder, which stands up to long braising (see Notes). Red wine makes a perfect braising liquid, though you could substitute stock (chicken or lamb) or even water. (But how can you beat the flavor of red meat braised in red wine?)

For vegetables, we like to use whatever is fresh and bright. Snow peas, string beans, carrots, and peas are some of our favorites. Frozen veggies would work too (in fact, frozen peas often are better quality than fresh).

We like to serve this dish over mashed potatoes or Polenta. But rice or noodles would also be nice.

Prep time for this dish is about 30 minutes. Cooking time adds another 90 minutes or so, much of it unattended. We prefer to make most of this dish a day ahead, then finish it right before serving. Our recipe reflects that procedure (but see Notes if you want to do everything on the same day).

This recipe yields 6 to 8 generous servings.

Leftovers keep for a few days if refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ingredients
  • ~3 pounds lamb shoulder (or lamb shoulder chops or stew meat; see Notes)
  • salt to taste (see Notes)
  • pepper to taste 
  • olive or vegetable oil as needed for browning the meat (1 to 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 onion (for cooking with the lamb)
  • 3 carrots (for cooking with the lamb)
  • 3 cloves garlic (for cooking with the lamb)
  • 1 bottle red wine for braising (see Notes)
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • a large sprig of fresh rosemary
  • ~8 additional carrots (to taste)
  • ~½ pound green beans
  • 2 to 3 handfuls of snow peas
  • 1 to 1½ cups frozen green peas (or fresh if you can find them)
  • creamy polenta or mashed potatoes (for serving)
Procedure
  1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Cut the lamb into chunks of about 2 inches (we always include the bone, but you could go boneless if you prefer). Pat the lamb pieces dry (they won’t brown well if damp). Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium stovetop heat (use one that holds at least 4 quarts). When it’s hot, add a tablespoon of oil. When the oil is heated, add as many pieces of meat as will comfortably fit in the pan without crowding (you’ll probably have to brown the meat in batches). Cook the pieces on each side until browned (this process will take several minutes). When the lamb pieces are fully browned, remove them to drain on a plate lined with a paper towel. Continue browning the rest of the meat (adding more oil to the pan if necessary).
  2. Meanwhile, peel an onion and cut it into thick slices. Set aside. Wash and trim about 3 carrots, peeling them if you wish. Set aside. Peel the garlic. Set aside.
  3. When the meat has finished browning (and has been removed from the cooking pan to drain), add more oil to the Dutch oven if necessary, then add the chopped onion and carrots, along with the garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes. Add about 1 cup of red wine to the Dutch oven, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the browned meat back to the pan. Add the rest of the red wine. Add the diced tomatoes and the rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop. Then place a sheet of aluminum foil over the contents of the Dutch oven, crimping the foil down along the sides of the pan so the surface of the foil is just above the braising liquid. Cover the Dutch oven, place it in the oven, and set a timer for 1 hour.
  4. At the hour mark, check the lamb to see how tender it is. It will probably still be a bit tough, so cook until done – usually another half hour or so. When the meat is tender (or almost so – you can cook it a bit more the next day), remove the meat pieces with kitchen tongs and place them on a plate. Drain the braising liquid (including the vegetables) from the Dutch oven into a strainer set over a bowl. Using a spoon, press the liquid out of the vegetables, then discard the vegetables. Let the braising liquid cool, then pour it into an airtight container that’s large enough to hold both the liquid and the meat. Add the meat pieces back to the liquid and refrigerate overnight.
  5. On the day you plan to serve: Prepare the serving veggies. Trim the additional 8 carrots (or however many you want to use), peel them, and cut them into chunks. Wash the green beans and trim them. Wash the snow peas and de-string them. Measure out the green peas.
  6. About half an hour before you plan to serve, remove the container holding the lamb and braising liquid from the refrigerator. Remove any fat that may have congealed on the surface of the container, then add the lamb and braising liquid to a Dutch oven. Add the chopped carrots, then heat on the stovetop. Add the green beans to the cooking pot 15 minutes before serving time. Add the snow peas and green peas 5 minutes before serving time. Stir all the ingredients to combine. Taste the dish and add seasoning if necessary. 
  7. Place a dollop of mashed potatoes or polenta on each serving plate, then ladle on the lamb stew. Serve and enjoy.
Spring Lamb Stew

Notes
  • If the sauce is thin, you can thicken it before serving by adding cornstarch mixed with water. We generally use 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons water (or wine). Remove the stew from the heat, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue adding cornstarch mixture until you reach the consistency you prefer. 
  • It can be difficult to find lamb shoulder, but lamb shoulder chops are usually available. We ask our butcher to cut them into stew-sized chunks (they can be difficult to cut at home because of the bone). 
  • You can use leg of lamb in this dish, but it tends to dry out when braised. So it’s not the ideal cut.
  • When we make this dish, we use whatever vegetables look good. If you don’t like some of our choices, simply substitute whatever you prefer.
  • We sometimes add glazed pearl onions to this dish.
  • You can make this dish on the stovetop if you prefer, although the oven provides more even heat. If you go this route, adjust the stovetop heat so that the liquid is just barely simmering.
  • If you want to make this dish in one day: Prep the serving vegetables (Step 5) while the meat is cooking (Step 4). When the meat is tender, strain the meat and cooking veggies, capturing the sauce in a bowl. Pick out the cooking veggies (their flavor is spent). Return the meat and sauce to the Dutch oven, then proceed with the recipe (Step 6).
  • We like to use a medium-bodied red wine when we make this dish. Use something that is not too expensive (around $10 per bottle or so), but that would still taste good if you drank a glass of it. If in doubt, ask your friendly local wine merchant for suggestions.
  • We use kosher salt in cooking. It’s less salty by volume than regular table salt (the crystals are larger and more irregular, so they pack a measure less tightly). If using table salt, start with about half the amount we suggest. But always season to your taste, not ours.
Spring Lamb Stew

Hope Springs Eternal

“Veggie-tation!” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “This dish has put a spring in my step.”

“Yup, I saw you spring to life when I suggested we make it,” I said.

“Perfect for the end of March,” said Mrs K R. “Which comes in like a lion. And goes out like, well, a lamb.”

“Speaking of lamb, you might say this dish is shear perfection,” I said.

“That’s a pretty wooly joke,” said Mrs K R. “I may need to lambaste you.”

Think I’ll spring back.

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Italian Braised Short Ribs
Lamb Rogan Josh
Red-Braised Beef with Sweet Potatoes
Spicy Pork Vindaloo
Or check out the index for more

68 comments:

Pam said...

Looks very colorful! And perfect over polenta! Thanks!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it's a wonderful dish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Perfect comfort food! Delicious and exactly what we need on the menu this week!

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

I love lamb shoulder, especially adding chiles to it to make dishes like Tacos al Pastor. Talking about "springing back"- let's all hope that life as we knew it, springs back from this virus crisis!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, isn't this nice? And SO flavorful! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, we love lamb shoulder -- SO much flavor. And I haven't made Tacos al Pastor in ages -- now I'm thinking I need to again, and soon. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

This looks so flavourful and tasty..love how you plate the food..really beautiful and appetizing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, this is such a good dish. We're still working on our plating (food styling is hard!) but getting better. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

It looks hearty and comforting.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it is. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dahn @savorthebest said...

This dish gives me Spring fever!! I love lamb in any shape or form. Definitely going to try this :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, we all need a healthy dose of spring fever at the moment! Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

Good that the recipe is flexible as supplies are rather unpredictable with all the isolation and shortages. Nice to think about spring, though.

Be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Perfect welcome to spring. I think we are all feeling spring fever especially strong this year. Enjoy!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, yeah, uncertain times, alas. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, we're fevered, just hope it's spring fever! :D Thanks for the comment.

Family Spice said...

Whenever I make lamb stew, it's always for a Persian recipe. I really love the fresh veggies you serve with your stew- and over polenta! YUM!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, polenta with lamb stew is a terrific combo. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

What a beautiful looking dish! I've braised a brisket in a bottle of red wine, but never lamb. That sounds quite delicious and based on the fact that I've never braised lamb, this looks like something I need to try. thanks John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, we don't often braise lamb, but it really takes well to that cooking treatment (well, the right cut does!). Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

The weather in LA (after much needed rain) has turned bright and springy! I dug some frozen ground lamb out of the freezer last night to honor the season. You've done a grand style tribute here. I hope I can get some shoulder and try it myself. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, lamb is great at any time of the year, but SO good in spring. Spring lambs and all of that. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eha said...

Am also a lover of navarin. But also love making stews Persian style as suggested above. My side would probably be polenta but have also used cannellini beans with great success . . ah well, a few weeks or months may go past ere this is possible ! Live semi-rurally and am dependent on on-line grocery shopping. Have been advised I'll receive a list of 'basic' goods I am allowed to order by tomorrow . . . somehow I do not think lamb shoulder will feature :) !

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, lamb is so important in so many cuisines, isn't it? So nice to have choices! And I agree cannellini beans would be an excellent choice. Or lentils. Good luck with the groceries -- doesn't sound like a pleasant situation. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Anne in the kitchen said...

I have a boneless leg in the freezer. Hmmmm this might be something I do with part of it. Might have to change the way I cook it a bit, but this sounds delicious.

Sherry's Pickings said...

hope you're keeping well!

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I would love this over mashed potatoes right about now!

Debra Eliotseats said...

Another great comfort food here, John. That is one fabulous presentation as well! Lovely. Take care!!!!!!

Cocoa and Lavender said...

We were about lamb stew the other day, and now here you are! Love the preparation, but the presentation is beautiful! The spring veggies really make it!

Natalia said...

Love those colors on the plate, such a beautiful meal!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, we always keep changing the way we cook things. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, we are, and same to you! And thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, best comfort food ever! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, and this tastes wonderful to boot. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, spring veggies make anything look good. Bonus: they're SO tasty! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, we love colorful dishes! Flavorful, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

I love lamb, but I've never made it at home. I love that you've paired it with such light, spring vegetables.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, the lamb in this dish is great, but the veggies are the real stars. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

Somehow I only have cooked lamb chops...and I should try other cuts of lamb...your lamb looks delicious John and indeed very "spring", love the vegetables.
Have a wonderful rest of the week and be safe!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, we like lamb chops a lot, but it's nice to use different cuts from time to time. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

Everything we are craving in one bite. We are huge lamb fans, are in need of comfort food and crave fresh veggies. Hope you are staying well dear friend. Take Care

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, we're doing well, and hope you are too! And yes, comfort food is an absolute requirement at the moment. Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

What a comforting -- and colorful -- dish in this challenging time. It's like a big hug, which we can all use right now. Be well and safe.

Kelly | Foodtasia said...

A lovely spring dish! Love all the veggies and serving it over polenta is wonderful!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, hugs definitely needed! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelly, we love using polenta as a base for stews. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Chef Mimi said...

This is really beautiful. I love lamb, but those vegetables are gorgeous! I hope I can find such pretty produce when I finally have to go back to the store.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, snow peas, in particular, always look so pretty! Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

Sounds wonderful! I love spring and all the seasonal meals it brings with it. ~Valentina

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, it's always nice to have a change of seasons, isn't it? And this dish is a great way to celebrate! Thanks for the comment.

Liz Posmyk said...

Hi John, a delicious looking recipe. Stay safe and well.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, SO delighted to hear from you! And yes, this is delish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Frank said...

Move me a lamb stew! A nice reminder that even at times like these, spring is still spring. Enjoy the warmer weather and stay well!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, lamb stew is great any time of the year, isn't it? But SO nice with spring veggies! Thanks for the comment.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

I'll take mine with polenta please. I'd love to try this soon. I've only purchased a leg of lamb, I'd love to try a new cut of meat.

R's Rue said...

Yum.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, lamb shoulder is terrific. Makes good tacos, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi R, yup. Thanks for the comment.

Easyfoodsmith said...

That's a lovely comforting meal. Even though I no longer eat non veg meals, I am finding it very tempting :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Taruna, Sorry about the temptation. Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

Such a nice classic dish

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Sherry's Pickings said...

well, we don't eat lamb but we like a good stew; i'm sure i could throw in a chicken or some other hunk of animal into this recipe:-) no really, i mean it...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, throw whatever hunk of animal in this that you like! It'd taste a bit different, of course, but still be really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amira said...

This sounds so delicious, I am trying to eat more lamb these days as I want my kids to eat lamb as well. Will add this to my list of recipes. Thanks for sharing.. stay safe

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, this is such a perfect recipe for this time of the year. Lamb is always plentiful in the spring, and of course spring veggies are wonderful. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Heidi | The Frugal Girls said...

This is such a fun way to prepare lamb and this dish includes flavors the whole family will love!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Heidi, isn't this a neat recipe? And so darn good! :-) Thanks for the comment.