Lamb Stew with Dill and Olives
Lamb Stew with Dill and Olives Recipe from Israel
Introduction
Lamb stew with dill and olives is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening. The combination of tender lamb, fragrant dill, and briny olives creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends.
History
This recipe has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where lamb is a popular protein choice for stews and braises. The addition of dill and olives adds a fresh and tangy twist to the traditional lamb stew, making it a standout dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- about 1.5 kg lamb, cut for stew
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 0.75 tsp pepper
- salt to taste
- 1 cup beef stock
- 0.75 cup lemon juice
- 675 g spinach, chopped
- leaves of 2 bunches of celery, finely chopped
- white parts of 8 spring onions, finely chopped
- 0.25 kg green olives, pitted and halved
- 0.5 cup dried peas, soaked in water
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
How to prepare
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan and brown the lamb and onions.
- Season with turmeric, pepper, and salt to taste, then pour in the stock and lemon juice.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring several times.
- In a heavy skillet, cook the spinach, celery leaves, and spring onions over low heat until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet and fry for 5 minutes.
- Add these ingredients to the meat, along with the dried peas and dill.
- Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the meat and beans are tender (about 45 minutes). Serve hot.
Variations
- Add a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Swap out the lamb for beef or chicken for a different twist on this recipe.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or cumin, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the lamb and onions before adding the stock and lemon juice to develop a rich flavor base.
- Be sure to simmer the stew gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or dill as needed to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This lamb stew is delicious served over a bed of fluffy couscous or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would also make a great accompaniment.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the lamb and onions before adding the liquid helps to develop a rich flavor base for the stew.
- Simmering the stew gently allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender without overcooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have lamb, you can use beef or chicken in this recipe.
- Feel free to swap out the olives for capers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this lamb stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for a pop of color. A drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of Greek yogurt would also make a nice finishing touch.
Pairing Recommendations
This lamb stew pairs well with a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. A side of crusty bread or roasted potatoes would also complement the flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this lamb stew with dill and olives contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Carbohydrates
This lamb stew with dill and olives is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the vegetables and olives in the recipe.
Fats
The olive oil in this recipe provides healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet. The lamb also contains some fat, which adds richness and flavor to the stew.
Proteins
Lamb is a rich source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. This stew provides a hearty dose of protein to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
Vitamins and minerals
This stew is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. The dill adds a burst of flavor and also provides some additional nutrients.
Alergens
This recipe contains olives, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.
Summary
Overall, this lamb stew with dill and olives is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Lamb stew with dill and olives is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its tender meat, fragrant herbs, and briny olives, this stew is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something warm and comforting to make for dinner. That's when I stumbled upon a worn, yellowed index card with the title "Lamb Stew with Dill and Olives" scrawled across the top in faded ink.
I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but the combination of flavors intrigued me. I had never thought to pair lamb with dill and olives before, but something about it just felt right. So, I set out to make the stew, not knowing just how much it would come to mean to me in the years to come.
As I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, memories from my past began to flood back to me. I remembered my mother teaching me how to chop vegetables when I was just a little girl, and how she would always tell me that the key to a good stew was patience and love. I remembered the first time I tried lamb, at a family gathering in the countryside, and how the rich, savory flavor had lingered on my taste buds long after the meal was over.
As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was more than just a recipe to me – it was a connection to my past, a way to honor the generations of women who had come before me and passed down their culinary wisdom.
When the stew was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and set them on the table. My family gathered around, eager to taste the fruits of my labor. As they took their first bites, I watched their faces light up with delight. The tender lamb, fragrant dill, and briny olives blended together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both familiar and new at the same time.
From that day on, Lamb Stew with Dill and Olives became a regular fixture on our dinner table. It became a dish that I would make for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and a dish that I would turn to on cold, rainy days when all I wanted was a little taste of home.
Over the years, I continued to tweak and refine the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations. Sometimes I would swap out the olives for capers, or add a splash of white wine for a little extra depth of flavor. But no matter how many times I made it, the stew always remained true to its roots, a comforting and satisfying dish that never failed to bring a smile to my loved ones' faces.
Now, as I sit here, reflecting on all the memories and moments that this recipe has brought into my life, I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for the women who came before me, who passed down their knowledge and love of cooking. Grateful for the simple pleasure of a warm, hearty meal shared with family and friends. And grateful for the joy of discovering a new favorite recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Categories
| Beef Stock And Broth Recipes | Black Olive Recipes | Green Olive Recipes | Israeli Meat Dishes | Israeli Recipes | Lamb Recipes | Pea Recipes | Spinach Recipes |