Lebanese Lamb and Eggplant Stew with Seasonal Tomatoes
A hearty Lebanese-inspired lamb stew showcasing seasonal tomatoes and tender eggplant, slow-cooked to meld classic Middle Eastern spices for a comforting weeknight meal.
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Overview
This Lebanese Lamb and Eggplant Stew is a comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of lamb, soft eggplant, and fresh seasonal tomatoes. Slow-cooked with a blend of fragrant Middle Eastern spices including cinnamon, allspice, and sumac, it delivers a balanced and deeply satisfying flavor. Ideal for cozy dinners, it highlights the vibrant and hearty flavors typical of Lebanese cuisine.
Why you’ll love it
- Rich and aromatic stew with traditional Lebanese spices.
- Uses fresh seasonal tomatoes for vibrant acidity.
- Eggplant adds a creamy texture complementing the lamb.
- Slow cooking ensures tender meat and well-developed flavors.
- Perfect for batch cooking and reheats beautifully.
Ingredient notes
- Lamb shoulder: Choose good-quality lamb shoulder, cut into 3 cm (1 inch) cubes for tender meat.
- Eggplant: Firm, medium-sized eggplants work best; peeling is optional but recommended if skin is tough.
- Seasonal tomatoes: Use ripe fresh tomatoes; if unavailable, good-quality canned plum tomatoes can be substituted.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon, allspice, and sumac contribute authentic Lebanese flavor; adjust to taste.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley is traditional; you can also add fresh mint for garnish.
Serving & storage
Serve the stew hot alongside steamed rice, bulgur, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Chef tips
- For best results, brown the lamb well to develop deep flavor before simmering.
- If you want a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the final 20 minutes to reduce liquid further.
- Sumac adds a tangy, lemony flavor traditional in Lebanese cooking—adjust quantity to your taste preference.
- To prevent eggplants from soaking excessive oil, toss them lightly in salt and let them sit for 20 minutes before rinsing and cooking, or add them later in the cooking process as in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 600 g (1 lb 5 oz)lamb shoulder, cut into 3 cm cubes
- 2 mediumeggplants, peeled and diced into 3 cm pieces
- 500 g (1 lb 1 oz)seasonal fresh tomatoes, chopped (or canned plum tomatoes)
- 1 largeonion, finely chopped
- 3 clovesgarlic, minced
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 1 tbsptomato paste
- 1 tspground cinnamon
- 1 tspground allspice
- 1 tspsumac powder
- 1 tspground cumin
- 500 ml (2 cups)water or lamb stock
- Salt and black pepperto taste
- Fresh parsleyfinely chopped, for garnish
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Equipment
- heavy-bottomed large pot or Dutch oven
- wooden spoon
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
Nutrition per serving
- Calories480
- Protein38 g
- Carbs15 g
- Fat28 g
Step-by-step
Step 1
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.Step 2
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.Step 3
Add the cubed lamb to the pot and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.Step 4
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cinnamon, allspice, cumin, and sumac powder. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices, stirring constantly.Step 5
Add the chopped tomatoes and water or lamb stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.Step 6
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender.Step 7
After 60 minutes, add the diced eggplants to the stew and stir to combine. Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the eggplant is soft and the sauce has thickened.Step 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes.Step 9
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley alongside rice, bulgur, or bread as desired.
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