Kyrgyz Lamb and Apricot Stew
A rich and aromatic stew featuring tender lamb simmered with sweet dried apricots, warming spices, and aromatic vegetables. This dish highlights the Central Asian love for combining savory meats with dried fruits, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It's a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for cooler weather.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced
- 200 g Dried apricots, halved
- 400 g Canned diced tomatoes
- 750 ml Beef or lamb broth
- 1.5 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the lamb dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until well-seared on all sides. Remove the lamb and set aside.
💡 Tip: Searing the lamb in batches ensures a good crust, which adds depth of flavor to the stew. - 2
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot will enhance the stew's flavor. - 3
Stir in the cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
💡 Tip: Toasting the spices briefly before adding liquids helps to release their aromatic oils. - 4
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the halved dried apricots, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef or lamb broth. Add the cinnamon stick. Stir everything to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure there is enough liquid to almost cover the lamb; add more broth or water if needed. - 5
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender. Stir occasionally, checking the liquid level and adding more broth or water if it becomes too dry.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key to tender lamb. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. - 6
Once the lamb is tender, remove the cinnamon stick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid.
💡 Tip: A well-seasoned stew is crucial. Don't be afraid to add salt and pepper until it tastes just right. - 7
Serve the lamb and apricot stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
💡 Tip: The fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich stew.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the lamb in spices and a little yogurt overnight before cooking.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked carrots against the side of the pot or add a cornstarch slurry.
- ✓Other dried fruits like prunes or raisins can be substituted or added along with the apricots.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Include a tablespoon of honey or a touch of pomegranate molasses in the last hour of cooking for added sweetness and complexity.
- For a nuttier flavor, stir in a handful of toasted slivered almonds just before serving.