Lamb Quinoa Stew
Description
This comforting Lamb Quinoa Stew is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, offering a perfect balance of robust flavors and wholesome nutrition. Tender cubes of lamb shoulder are browned to perfection and simmered until fork-tender in a rich broth infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and ginger. The dish is studded with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including sweet butternut squash, earthy eggplant, and vibrant bell peppers, which add depth and texture. Quinoa absorbs the savory juices, transforming into a hearty, protein-packed base that makes this stew incredibly satisfying. It’s a warming, family-friendly meal that comes together in a single pot after a quick roast, making it ideal for chilly evenings when you crave something nourishing and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.Directions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (232°C) and set oven racks in the middle and lower thirds of the oven.
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In a large bowl, toss plum tomatoes and eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Arrange the tomato and eggplant mixture in a single layer on a large shallow baking pan.
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In another bowl, toss bell peppers, yellow onions, red onion, and carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Arrange the pepper and carrot mixture in a single layer on a second large shallow baking pan.
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Roast the vegetables in the middle and lower thirds of the oven, stirring occasionally and switching the pans halfway through, until golden brown and tender, about 20 minutes.
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While vegetables are roasting, pat the lamb dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy kettle (about 8-quart capacity) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking.
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Brown the lamb in 2 batches, transferring the cooked meat to a bowl with a slotted spoon as it finishes.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the kettle and cook the butternut squash, garlic, cinnamon sticks, cumin, ginger, and allspice over moderate heat, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Return the browned lamb to the kettle and add the roasted vegetables and their juices, plus the chicken broth.
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Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until the lamb is tender.
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Stir in the rinsed quinoa, uncover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Discard the cinnamon sticks. Add water if a thinner consistency is desired.
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Serve the stew hot, garnished with toasted almonds if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 650mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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