Before diving into the nitty-gritty of my favorite Instant Pot lamb stew recipe, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to elevate your meal. A hearty stew deserves some equally comforting companions, right? Here are three stellar pairings:
Crusty Artisan Bread: Thick slices of crusty bread are perfect for sopping up all that rich stew. The chewiness and crust of a good loaf can turn every bite into a feast.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes, infused with garlic, create a luscious base under the stew. Each hearty bite transports you to cozy kitchens.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast. It lightens the meal and adds those all-important veggies.
Imagine a chilly evening where a warm bowl of hearty lamb stew awaits you. You can practically hear the sizzling of ingredients coming together, see herbs dancing in the steam, and taste the depth of flavors that only a slow-cooked meal can deliver. Well, if you have an Instant Pot, you can achieve that cozy feeling in a fraction of the time it takes to traditionally cook a stew.
As a food enthusiast and a registered dietitian, I’ve explored countless ways to create meals that are not only delicious but also nourishing.
My journey into the world of cooking has led me to discover this rich Instant Pot lamb stew recipe that has quickly become a staple in my household. I want to share not just the recipe, but also why it works well, providing you with plenty of insights along the way.
What is Instant Pot Lamb Stew?
At its core, Instant Pot lamb stew is a comforting dish that combines tender lamb, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all cooked together in a sauce that’s rich in flavor.
The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while ensuring the meat comes out tender and juicy. The magic happens thanks to the pot’s ability to trap steam and circulate heat evenly, resulting in a well-cooked stew that rivals any traditional method.
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Why This Recipe Works?
Step 1: Speed without Compromise
The Instant Pot allows for quick cooking, often cutting the time of traditional methods by half or more. You won’t be waiting all day for your stew. Instead, in about an hour, you can have a deliciously tender dish ready to serve.
Step 2: Depth of Flavor
While the stew cooks quickly, the pressure cooker still melds flavors beautifully. This recipe uses wine and spices that deepen the taste, creating a robust sauce that coats every ingredient.
Step 3: Versatile Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe are not just for show. Each one serves a purpose, adding a layer of flavor or texture. You can adapt the recipe with whatever you have available, making it accessible and wallet-friendly.
Step 4: Nutrient-Rich Choices
With lamb as a protein source, the stew is not only filling but also packed with essential nutrients. Lamb provides important vitamins and minerals, while the variety of vegetables add fiber and antioxidants, making this a well-rounded dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
Gather these ingredients to create your stew:
1 pound boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour, divided
3/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons garlic, crushed or minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 small Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 large carrot, cut into rounds or half-moons
1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup dry red wine (I used cabernet sauvignon)
1 1/2 cups beef stock (not reduced sodium)
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
How To Make This Instant Pot Lamb Stew Recipe?
Let’s break down the cooking process step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the onions, carrots, and potatoes. Cube the lamb. This preparation allows the cooking process to flow smoothly. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way.
Step 2: Sauté the Lamb
Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the lamb in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with half of the salt and half of the cornstarch. This step builds flavor and gives you that lovely browning.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant. This gives the stew a foundational flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Spices
Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and allspice. Cook for another minute. These spices are what make this dish unforgettable, bringing warmth and richness to the sauce.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine
Add the wine to the pot and scrape up any browning from the bottom. This not only flavorful but also prevents that dreaded ‘burn’ notice on your Instant Pot.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the lamb to the pot along with the remaining salt, beef stock, thyme, bay leaf, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
Step 7: Pressure Cook
Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 35 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 8: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the remaining cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot. Activate the sauté function again and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
Step 9: Serve
Ladle your fragrant stew into bowls. Pair it with your chosen sides or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a vibrant pop.
Tips & Tricks
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can really brighten the stew’s flavor. Don’t skip them if you can help it!
Rustic Cut of Lamb: Choosing a leg of lamb rather than other cuts provides more flavor and improves tenderness.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality wine for cooking. The flavor translates into the stew, making a noticeable difference.
Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can control the thickness of the stew easily by adjusting cornstarch or flour.
Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: It helps tenderize the meat further, making it more delicious.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 385
Protein: 36g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 590mg
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you’re thinking longer term, consider freezing it in portions. Stew holds up really well in the freezer, and you can enjoy it on busy days.
What sides would complement Instant Pot Lamb Stew Recipe?
Step 1: Crusty Bread
Crusty bread isn’t just for soaking up liquids; it can transform your meal into something extraordinary. A loaf that’s perfectly baked brings out flavors in the stew and is great for dunking.
Step 2: Olive Oil Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, drizzled simply with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs, complement the stew wonderfully. Their caramelization adds sweet notes that balance the stew’s heartiness.
Step 3: Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with diced veggies and lemon dressing can provide a fresh aspect to your meal. The nutty flavor pairs well and adds a nutritional boost.
What alternatives can you use for the ingredients if they are not present in your kitchen?
Step 1: Lamb Substitutes
If lamb isn’t your thing, beef or chicken can work in a pinch. Just remember that cooking times may differ slightly between them.
Step 2: Olive Oil Alternatives
Canola oil or any vegetable oil can be swapped in lieu of olive oil. Though the flavor will change, the cooking results will remain satisfactory.
Step 3: Stock Swaps
In the absence of beef stock, chicken stock or vegetable stock works fine. Just be cautious with the salt content, as stock varies in sodium levels.
Step 4: Wine Omission
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with extra beef stock or grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Instant Pot Lamb Stew
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless leg of lamb cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour divided
- 3/4 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic crushed or minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 small Yukon gold potatoes cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 large carrot cut into rounds or half-moons
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms sliced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3/4 cup dry red wine I used cabernet sauvignon
- 1 1/2 cups beef stock not reduced sodium
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the onions, carrots, and potatoes. Cube the lamb. This preparation allows the cooking process to flow smoothly. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way.
Step 2: Sauté the Lamb
- Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the lamb in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with half of the salt and half of the cornstarch. This step builds flavor and gives you that lovely browning.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant. This gives the stew a foundational flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Spices
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and allspice. Cook for another minute. These spices are what make this dish unforgettable, bringing warmth and richness to the sauce.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine
- Add the wine to the pot and scrape up any browning from the bottom. This not only flavorful but also prevents that dreaded ‘burn’ notice on your Instant Pot.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the lamb to the pot along with the remaining salt, beef stock, thyme, bay leaf, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
Step 7: Pressure Cook
- Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 35 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 8: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the remaining cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot. Activate the sauté function again and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
Step 9: Serve
- Ladle your fragrant stew into bowls. Pair it with your chosen sides or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a vibrant pop.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can really brighten the stew’s flavor. Don’t skip them if you can help it!
- Rustic Cut of Lamb: Choosing a leg of lamb rather than other cuts provides more flavor and improves tenderness.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality wine for cooking. The flavor translates into the stew, making a noticeable difference.
- Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can control the thickness of the stew easily by adjusting cornstarch or flour.
- Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: It helps tenderize the meat further, making it more delicious.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook lamb stew without a pressure cooker?
Yes! You can make it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Just keep in mind that the cooking time will increase significantly.
2. What type of lamb is best for stew?
Leg of lamb or shoulder cuts work the best for stews as they are tougher cuts that become tender during cooking.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time. Just store in the fridge and reheat it when needed.
4. How spicy is this stew?
It’s not spicy but has a warmth from the paprika. You can adjust spice levels by adding more or less seasoning as per your preference.
5. Can I add different vegetables?
Certainly! Zucchini, peas, or even bell peppers can be great additions depending on what you love or have on hand.
6. How can I enhance the flavor?
You can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or enhance umami with mushrooms for deeper flavors.
Conclusion
Cooking doesn’t always have to be a lengthy affair to yield delicious results. With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a delightful lamb stew that’s as comforting as it is nourishing. Not only does this recipe save time, but it also converts regular, perhaps complex cooking steps into a straightforward process with maximal impact.
The flavor depth, nutritional value, and surprisingly approachable cooking method make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings alike. So bust out your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and create a meal filled with warmth and satisfaction. I’m already dreaming of leftovers—and perhaps more stews to add to my culinary repertoire!
