Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe Grape LeafHearty Lamb Stew Recipe

Hearty Lamb Stew Recipe

Inspired by The Grape Leaf
Time2h 30m
Serves6

braised leg of lamb, sweet peas, onion, potato, carrot, tomato served with saffron rice garnish

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Meat

Vegetables

Pantry

For the saffron rice

Method

Preparing the Lamb Stew

  1. 1

    Searing the Lamb

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the leg of lamb with salt and black pepper, then sear it in the pot until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.

  2. 2

    Sautéing the Vegetables

    In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add diced carrots and potatoes, stirring for another 3-4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Building the Stew

    Add chopped tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaves to the vegetables. Stir well, then return the seared lamb to the pot. Pour in the broth, ensuring the lamb is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil.

  4. 4

    Simmering the Stew

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and easily pulls apart.

  5. 5

    Adding Peas

    In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the sweet peas. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Cooking the Saffron Rice

  1. 6

    Preparing the Rice

    In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the basmati rice and a pinch of saffron threads. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed.

  2. 7

    Fluffing the Rice

    Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

More from The Grape Leaf