Maltese Lamb and Pasta Stew
A hearty and flavorful slow-cooked lamb stew, enriched with Mediterranean herbs and finished with pasta, offering a comforting taste of Maltese tradition.
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Prep20 minutes
Cook8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Total8 hours 20 minutes
Serves6
LevelEasy
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Boned lamb shoulders(trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2cm cubes)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil(plus more if needed)
- 2 medium Onions(sliced finely)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 3 Bay leaves
- 3 Carrots(peeled and cut into very chunky pieces)
- 2 cans (400g each) Diced tomatoes
- 1.25 cups Lamb or chicken stock
- 1 bottle Dry white wine
- 250 g Tubular pasta(par-cooked)
- Feta cheese(to serve, crumbled)
- Fresh parsley(to serve, chopped)
- Fresh oregano or basil leaves(to serve)
- Salt and pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Combine all ingredients, except the pasta, feta, and finishing herbs, in a large slow cooker.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well distributed in the slow cooker. - 2
Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the lamb is tender.
💡 Tip: The meat should be tender and yielding. - 3
Season the stew with salt and pepper. Turn the cooker to high to bring the stew to a bubble.
💡 Tip: This step helps to thicken the stew slightly and prepare it for the pasta. - 4
Add the par-cooked pasta to the stew. The stew should be liquid enough to cover the pasta.
💡 Tip: This dish is meant to be wet, with plenty of liquid to finish cooking the pasta. - 5
Cook until the pasta is al dente. Serve in bowls, topped with crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and fresh oregano or basil leaves.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately with warm crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the lamb cubes in a pan with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
- ✓Adjust the amount of stock or wine based on your desired stew consistency.
- ✓This dish is excellent for meal prep as flavors meld and deepen overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips along with the carrots.
- Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or fusilli.