Simple & delicious Instant Pot Lamb Stew with chickpeas and fragrant Middle Eastern spices- a fast, flavorful, wholesome meal that can be made in an Instant Pot!

Simple & delicious Instant Pot Lamb Stew with chickpeas and fragrant Middle Eastern spices- a fast, flavorful, wholesome meal that can be made in an Instant Pot!

The ego loves being “offended”.  ~Eckart Tolle

Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Lamb Stew with chickpeas and fragrant Middle Eastern spices that will warm you to your bones. It takes 15 minutes of hands-on time before finishing off in an Instant Pot using the pressure cooker setting.

This can also be made on the stovetop, then finished in the oven, but know it will take twice as long. Whichever way you choose to go, the flavors will satisfy. Serve the stew over basmati rice, or everyday quinoa, or if going grain-free, try our cauliflower rice.

Simple & delicious Instant Pot Lamb Stew with chickpeas and fragrant Middle Eastern spices- a fast, flavorful, wholesome meal that can be made in an Instant Pot!

Why You’ll Love This!

  1. Invigorating Middle Eastern flavor! Cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon and chili flakes come together harmoniously to create rich, complex, and warm flavor.
  2. Only 15 minutes of hands-on cooking. This recipe requires minimal prep time before cooking in the Instant Pot for 50 minutes. Your home will smell amazing as the dish stews and becomes rich with flavor!
  3. Comforting and wholesome. This warm and cozy dish is perfect for cold nights. It is full of nourishing ingredients, warm spices, and aromatic flavors. It’s meaty and satiating and will fill you up after a long day.
  4. Can be enjoyed in so many ways. Serve over rice, quinoa, couscous, or riced cauliflower. Add a side of warm pita bread or roasted cauliflower. There are so many delicious ways to present this stew.
  5. Leftovers taste even better! Make this in advance and enjoy leftovers on a busy weeknight. This stew tastes amazing after the flavors have had even more time to blend together.

 Instant Pot Lamb Stew Video

This is one of my favorite lamb stew recipes because of the complex and fragrant Middle Eastern spices! If Middle Eastern Spices are not your thing, this simple Irish Lamb Stew would work great in the Instant Pot too!

stew meat in a bowl.

Lamb Stew Ingredients

  • Lamb stew meat: Use lamb shoulder, lamb leg, or lamb shank cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes. The lamb meat provides a hearty and savory flavor to the stew. It becomes tender and flavorful after cooking.
  • Olive oil, butter, or ghee: This fat is used for browning the lamb meat and adds richness to the stew.
  • Onion: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the stew. It also contributes to the overall texture of the dish.
  • Garlic cloves: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the stew. It enhances the savory profile of the dish.
  • Spices: Cumin provides warm and earthy flavor, coriander adds a citrusy and slightly sweet taste, turmeric brings in vibrant yellow color and a mildly earth and slightly bitter taste, cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness, and chili flakes add a spicy kick.
  • Tomato paste: Adds a rich, tangy flavor and helps to thicken the stew.
  • Apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar): Adds a tangy and slightly acidic taste to balance the richness of the stew.
  • Honey or brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the flavors in the stew.
  • Chicken stock or broth: Forms the liquid base of the stew and adds depth of flavor. It helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the other ingredients. You can also use beef broth.
  • Chickpeas: Provide a creamy and nutty texture to the stew. They also add protein and fiber.
  • Raisins, dried apricots, or dried currants: Add pops of sweetness and chewiness to the stew. They provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors.

What is the Best Meat Cut for Lamb Stew?

This recipe is designed for “tougher” cuts of lamb that need longer cooking times to tenderize. Please don’t waste already tender lamb chops or lamb loin on this recipe. Beef stew meat or even goat make good substitutions too!

Use lamb stew meat- cut from lamb shoulder, leg, or shanks. also good options. I’ve opted for local, sustainably raised American lamb, which is meatier and milder in flavor than imported lamb. It’s also fresher, having traveled far fewer miles to get here.

How to Make Instant Pot Lamb Stew

Sauté. Turn the Instant Pot on and set it to the Sauté function. Heat the butter or oil and saute the onions for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Add the lamb, garlic, salt and all the spices and saute for 5 more minutes until fragrant. Add the vinegar, tomato paste, honey, stock, chickpeas and raisins and stir until combined, scraping up any browned bits.

Pressure cook. Cover and set the Instant Pot (or pressure cooker) to pressure cook setting for 50 minutes on normal/high. Naturally release.

cooked lamb stew in the instant pot.

Release. Let the pressure release and give a stir. The lamb will be tender and break apart easily. If you prefer it less juicy, return to the saute function and cook off some of the liquid. (Note that it will thicken a bit as it sits).

Taste and adjust. Adjust seasonings to taste. If it is too sweet, add a few drops more vinegar. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

How to make Lamb Stew on the Stove top

  1. Alternatively, you can cook this on the stovetop in an oven-proof Dutch oven.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325 F.
  3. Brown the onions in the ghee or butter over medium-high heat, then add the garlic, lamb, salt, black pepper, and spices, cooking for 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Add the remaining ingredients – all except the raisins, and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering covered, on low heat, until lamb is tender, about 1 ½ hours, adding more liquid as necessary.
  4. Alternatively, you could cover and place in the oven and bake for 2 hours, adding the raisins about an hour or 1 ½ hours into the baking time. After two hours, the lamb will be very tender. If you like a little more browning, give a quick broil to the pot uncovered.
Middle Eastern Lamb stew in a bowl with basmati rice.

What to serve with Lamb Stew?

FAQs

Can lamb stew be made ahead?

Yes, absolutely, it will get even more delicious as the flavors meld.

Why is my stew meat tough in the Instant Pot?

It’s important to let the instant pot come to pressure, cook, and naturally release. The natural pressure release will result in the most tender texture.

Is it better to slow cook or pressure cook?

To retain the rich flavor of the stew, pressure cooking is best.

Do I need to brown the lamb before stewing?

Yes! In this recipe the lamb sautés for 5 minutes with the spices and aromatics before pressure cooking.

Can I add vegetables to the stew?

Yes! Veggies like carrots, parsnips, turnips, rutabaga or celeriac are wonderful options. Even potato would make a delicious and hearty addition.

Storage & Freezing

Lamb stew will keep in the fridge up to 4 days. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can freeze this recipe for up to 6 months. Remove from the freezer to thaw in the fridge when ready to eat. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Instant Pot Middle Eastern Lamb Stew with chickpeas and fragrant spices- a simple flavorful wholesome meal.

Instant Pot Lamb Stew infused with Middle Eastern Spices….a fast and easy weeknight dinner that requires only 15 minutes of hands-on time before letting the Instant Pot work its magic.

We hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Lamb Stew Recipe!

Cheers, friends.

Sylvia

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Simple & delicious Instant Pot Lamb Stew with chickpeas and fragrant Middle Eastern spices- a fast, flavorful, wholesome meal that can be made in an Instant Pot

Instant Pot Lamb stew

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 165 reviews
  • Author: Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Description

Simple & delicious Instant Pot Lamb Stew with chickpeas and fragrant Middle Eastern spices- a fast, flavorful, wholesome meal that can be made in an Instant Pot.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, butter or ghee
  • 1 ½1 ¾ pounds lamb stew meat ( shoulder, leg or shank) cut onto 1 ½  inch cubes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 46 garlic cloves, rough chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin ( or use 1 teaspoon ground, and 1 teaspoon cumin seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric,
  • 1 teaspoon ground  cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes ( Aleppo Chili flakes are nice) and more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 12 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1  1/4 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 x 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • ¼ cup raisins or  dried apricots (chopped), or even dried currants

Serve with cooked quinoa, couscous or basmati rice & garnish with fresh Italian parsley or cilantro leaves and extra chili flakes.


Instructions

  1. Turn the Instant Pot on and set it to the Sauté function. Heat the butter or oil and saute the onions for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Add the lamb, garlic, salt and all the spices and saute for 5 more minutes until fragrant. Add the vinegar, tomato paste, honey, stock, chickpeas and raisins and stir until combined.
  2. Cover and set the Instant Pot (or pressure cooker)  to pressure cook setting for 50 minutes on normal/high. Naturally release.
  3. Let the pressure release and give a stir. The lamb will be tender and break apart easily. If you prefer it less juicy, return to saute function and cook off some of the liquid. ( Note that it will thicken a bit as it sits).
  4. Adjust seasonings to taste. If too sweet, add a few drops more vinegar.
  5. Serve over quinoa, rice or couscous with some fresh cilantro or parsley. The leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Notes

Alternatively, you can cook this on the stovetop in a oven-proof dutch oven. Preheat the oven to 325. Brown the onions in the ghee or butter then add the garlic, lamb, salt and spices, cooking for 5 -6 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients – all except the raisins,  and bring to a simmer. Cover and place in the oven and bake 2 hours, adding the raisins about an hour or 1 ½ hours into the baking time.

After two hours the lamb will be very tender. If you like a little more browning, give a quick broil to the pot uncovered.

LAMB: This recipe is designed for “tougher” cuts of lamb- shoulder, leg, etc., that need longer cooking times to tenderize.  Please don’t waste already tender lamb chops or lamb loin on this recipe. You can also use beef stew meat or even goat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 33.3 g
  • Sodium: 299.7 mg
  • Fat: 20.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51.7 g
  • Fiber: 7.7 g
  • Protein: 47.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 113.1 mg

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Comments

  1. Hi I will be making this tomorrow, and I’m wondering about the chickpeas. Will they completely dissolve after that long in the Instant Pot. What would happen if I used dried Chickpeas soaked overnight?

    1. Hi Katherine, canned chickpeas seem to hold up just fine, but feel free to try the soaked ones- you may need to add more salt?

  2. Wow ! What a keeper !
    My family asked me to make it again. My college kids asked if I’d make large batches and bring it to them.

    We love herbs and I did add one whole bunch of chopped fresh parsley and one bunch cilantro.

  3. This is a brilliant recipe. I’ve cooked it many times and haven’t changed a thing. Took a batch in to work today for a shared lunch and it went down really well. Delicious every time and super easy in the pressure cooker. Thank you!






  4. I’ve now made this 6 or 7 times in the last 3 months. Not only is it exquisitely delicious, but it’s fail safe too. I’ve made it with goat, and also with a huge lamb shoulder – I nearly had to sit on the lid to get it into the pressure cooker – yet it all comes together in the magical steam. A thousand thanks for such a guest-pleasing, no-nonsense, set and forget recipe.






    1. Thanks so much Maggie- glad this has been successful for you! Appreciate you coming back around and rating it for us!

  5. Among many other foods, my husband can’t eat onions nor tomatoes. Even though I left them out, this was delicious! I also used half of the chickpeas and it was plenty for us.






  6. Sooo good. Mwah. I thought I had lost the recipe. This is my second time making
    it and will be doing it again and again. Guest and family loved it! Thank you






    1. Hi Jalen! I haven’t made this with chicken, so just guessing here- but this is what I would do: I would use boneless skinless chicken thighs, brown them whole, leave everything else the same and high pressure cook for 10 minutes. Naturally release, break apart with a fork.

      1. Holy moly this is good. Should have gone shopping for all the ingredients beforehand, but even without the chickpeas or dried fruit it was delicious. The timing was perfect for tender lamb. I can’t wait to make this again. Thanks for the recipe.






  7. This is bubbling away as I type. Even before sampling this wonderfully fragrant stew I’m over the moon just because of the ‘cooking mode’ toggle.
    How often I’ve yearned for this!

  8. Have you ever swapped red wine for the red wine/apple cider vinegar? Do you think that could work?

    I love all your recipes, and have been feeding my kids off of them for 3 years now. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Hi Danae- sorry, I have not tried it with red wine- the vinegar helps cut the sweetness here, so if using red wine, I would add less or half the sweetener (or just add it to taste).

  9. Finally made this tonight. It’s delicious! I made it with 1 pound of lamb. That’s all I had, and did it in a 3 quart Instant Pot. I left most of the ingredients close to or at the original amounts. I used the whole can of chickpeas. It was too liquid at the end, so we added cornstarch and also ran the saute setting for a short time while stirring. We had it with cilantro and over wild rice mix. I will definitely be making this again! Thank you!






  10. I’m going to make this today finally. If I don’t hear back, I’ll guess. Just wondering if the time to cook changes with less lamb.

    1. I think if the lamb is cut the same size (even though less in volume) the cook time would be the same.

  11. My husband made this months ago. It was so good! And I hate lamb, seriously. We had leftovers that took us all the way through Autumn. We will be making this for our Muslim community for Ramadan within the next few months💙






  12. I just found my go to lamb stew recipe! Just made this with a side of quinoa and my family raved about it. We will definitely be making it again! Thank you for sharing.






  13. This one is a big hit and a semi-regular meal for us! What size Instant Pot can you use for this recipe? We’re looking at scaling up for a party, and trying to figure out how much we can make.






      1. I have just a 3 qt instant pot. I also only have 1 pound of stew meat, but am feeding four adults. Will this recipe work? How to adjust to fit the pot and feed four?

        1. Hey Sondra! So in theory, this should work if you halve the recipe. But I dont have a 3 quart- so am not sure. I would use all your meat, and it would be a “light” meal- 4 ounces of meat per person which will shrink down in the Instant pot. Maybe double the chickpeas?

          1. So, since I have 1.1 pounds of lamb, add another 8 ounces of chickpeas and leave the rest of the ingredients as if it was 1-1/2 pounds of lamb?
            I tried getting another 1/2 pound from the farm where I got the pound, but she only has 1 to 1.2 pound packs, and I don’t know that I can fit another whole pound in the 3 qt pot…
            What about a few more raisins, too? We will have rice with it, and perhaps some kind of bread and salad. Thanks.

    1. Great to hear! So happy you enjoyed this! Thanks so much for circling back and leaving a review, very appreciated!

  14. Excellent dish! easy and fool proof. made it twice in a week one for family and one for friends. very delicious with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. thank you for sharing ❤️






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