Bosnian Lamb and Apricot Stew (Jagnjetina sa Suvim Kajsijama)
A rich and flavorful stew combining tender lamb with the sweetness of dried apricots, aromatic spices, and a hint of savory depth. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, typical of Balkan cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Lamb shoulder or leg(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 100 g Dried apricots
- 2 medium Fresh apricots(stoned and quartered)
- 25 g Raisins
- 0.25 tsp Ground cloves
- 0.25 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 whole Cinnamon stick
- 4 whole Green cardamom pods(crushed)
- 20 g Unsalted butter
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Garlic cloves(finely chopped)
- 300 ml Chicken stock
- 50 g Whole almonds
- 10 ml Honey
- 2 medium Beef tomatoes(quartered)
- 2 medium Carrots(cut into batons)
- 1 sprig Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- Sea salt(to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, blend the ground cloves, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, ground turmeric, ground ginger, crushed cardamom pods, and black pepper with a little water to form a paste. Add the lamb cubes to the paste, coat well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the marinated lamb to the pot along with the cinnamon stick. Brown the lamb on all sides. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- 4
Add the dried apricots, raisins, quartered fresh apricots, honey, quartered tomatoes, and carrot batons to the pot. Stir to combine.
- 5
Cover the pot and simmer gently for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the lamb is tender. Stir occasionally.
- 6
Stir in the whole almonds. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 7
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the lamb overnight.
- ✓If fresh apricots are not in season, you can use an additional 50g of dried apricots.
- ✓Serve with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron for an extra layer of aroma and color.
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add a fresh chili.