How to Make Greek Lamb Stew - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to hearty and comforting dishes, Greek cuisine has a lot to offer. One of the most beloved and iconic dishes is Greek Lamb Stew, also known as "Kleftiko". This dish is a true celebration of the rich flavors and tender texture of lamb, slow-cooked with a variety of aromatic herbs and spices.

The origins of Greek Lamb Stew can be traced back to the rugged mountains of Greece, where traditional shepherds would slow-cook lamb in underground ovens, allowing the meat to become...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound lamb shoulder blade chops
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry red wine
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup lamb stock
  • ½ lemon, zested and juiced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the lamb with salt and pepper, add to the pot, and cook until deeply browned, about 5 minutes on each side. Stir in the onions and garlic, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour the wine into the pot, and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, lamb stock, lemon zest and juice, oregano, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Bring back to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lamb is very tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Stir in the green beans and cook until they are tender, about 20 additional minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaf and any bones from the stew. Garnish stew with chopped fresh parsley.
  • Nutrition

    365 cal.

    • Total Fat: 20g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 61mg
    • Sodium: 607mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 24g
    • Dietary Fiber: 8g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 20g
    • Vitamin C: 57mg
    • Calcium: 114mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 1072mg