Lesotho Lamb and Root Vegetable Stew
A hearty and warming stew featuring tender lamb and a medley of root vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection. This dish embodies the comforting and nourishing aspects of Basotho cuisine, perfect for colder weather.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt(plus more to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, plus more to taste)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 cups Carrots(peeled and cubed)
- 2 cups Parsnips(peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup Turnips(peeled and cubed)
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Dry red wine
- 1 Fresh rosemary sprig
- 2 Bay leaves
- 0.5 tsp Fresh thyme
- 0.5 tsp Dried oregano
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb cubes and toss to coat evenly. Discard any excess flour.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the lamb is well-coated helps create a richer stew base. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove lamb from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, carrots, parsnips, and turnips. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the beef broth, rosemary sprig, bay leaves, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
- 6
Remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This stew can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a thicker stew, you can create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- ✓Feel free to add other root vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- ✓Serve with crusty bread or pap (maize meal porridge) to soak up the delicious sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute beef for lamb.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer flavor.
- Include a pinch of curry powder for a subtle warmth.