Lamb Stew With Rosemary and Olives

Lamb Stew with Rosemary and Olives is a rich, savory dish that pairs the tender, flavorful lamb with the earthiness of rosemary and the briny goodness of olives. The combination of these ingredients, along with garlic, tomatoes, and a touch of wine, creates a deeply satisfying, rustic stew. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or a special meal with family and friends.

Here’s a recipe to make a hearty Lamb Stew with Rosemary and Olives:

Lamb Stew with Rosemary and Olives

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) bone-in lamb shoulder or lamb stew meat, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with broth)
• 1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved (Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives work well)
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Lamb:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Season the lamb chunks with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Remove the browned lamb and set it aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened.
• Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pot:

• Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift up any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for about 3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

4. Add Liquids and Seasonings:

• Stir in the broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), and rosemary. Add the bay leaf and return the browned lamb to the pot.
• Bring the stew to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and easily falls apart.

5. Add Olives:

• About 20-30 minutes before the stew is done, add the olives to the pot and stir to combine. Let them cook with the stew to infuse their briny flavor.

6. Final Adjustments:

• Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. Serve:

• Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for the Best Lamb Stew:

• Meat Choice: You can use bone-in lamb shoulder for more flavor, or boneless lamb stew meat for convenience. Both work well, but bone-in lamb will have a richer flavor.
• Slow Cooking: If you have more time, you can cook this stew on the stovetop on low heat or in a slow cooker. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the lamb is tender.
• Olives: The type of olive you choose will impact the flavor of the stew. Kalamata olives add a slightly tangy, robust flavor, while Castelvetrano olives are milder and sweeter. Green olives are the most common choice, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with an additional cup of broth or a combination of broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a bit of acidity.

Serving Suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: This stew pairs beautifully with warm, crusty French bread or ciabatta to mop up the flavorful sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes or Polenta: Serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a comforting meal.
• Rice: For a lighter option, serve with white rice or couscous to soak up the rich broth.

Lamb Stew with Rosemary and Olives is the perfect dish for a cozy, comforting meal. The tender lamb, fragrant rosemary, and briny olives come together to create a flavorful stew that’s perfect for any season, but especially great for colder months. Whether you serve it on a weekday evening or as the centerpiece of a special dinner, this stew is sure to be a hit!