Cordero Estofado con Aceitunas y Dátiles
A rich and flavorful lamb stew slow-cooked with olives and dates, infused with warm spices like cinnamon, creating a dish that is both savory and subtly sweet. This hearty stew is perfect for a comforting meal, often served over rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Lamb chops(cut into pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 2 cm Ginger(grated)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 cup Pitted olives
- 1/2 cup Dates(pitted and halved)
- 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
- 3-4 leaves Bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley
- for garnish Fresh mint(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure lamb is well-seasoned for maximum flavor. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the seasoned lamb to the pot and brown it on all sides. Stir in the cumin and cook for 1 minute more.
- 5
Pour in enough water to semi-cover the lamb. Add the pitted olives, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and honey. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Using water or a light broth will allow the flavors of the lamb, olives, and dates to shine. - 6
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 1 hour.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking ensures the lamb becomes tender. - 7
Add the pitted and halved dates to the pot. Cover and continue to cook for another 40 minutes, or until the lamb is very tender.
- 8
Remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves before serving. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and mint.
💡 Tip: Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a burst of freshness to the rich stew. - 9
Serve hot, ideally over basmati rice or with crusty bread, with plenty of cooking juice.
💡 Tip: The sauce is as important as the meat; don't skip serving it with a starch to soak it up.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust the amount of dates for desired sweetness.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated, as the flavors meld beautifully.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Substitute lamb shoulder for lamb chops for a more economical option.
- Include other dried fruits like apricots for added complexity.