Icelandic Lamb and Rhubarb Stew
A hearty and slightly sweet stew that balances the richness of lamb with the tartness of rhubarb. This dish showcases Iceland's use of local ingredients, with lamb being a staple and rhubarb often found growing wild or cultivated.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 300 g Rhubarb(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 liter Lamb or beef broth
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Fresh thyme(chopped, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb pieces on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the lamb to the pot. Add the lamb or beef broth, cubed potatoes, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until lamb is tender.
- 5
Add the chopped rhubarb to the pot. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until the rhubarb has softened and the stew has thickened.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and brown sugar if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can sear the lamb bones along with the meat.
- ✓If the stew is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- ✓Rhubarb can be quite tart; adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or rutabaga.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve with a side of Icelandic rye bread (rúgbrauð).