Aromatic Lamb with Dates Recipe

Introduction

This aromatic lamb with dates recipe combines tender lamb, sweet potatoes, and warm spices for a comforting and flavorful dish. It’s a perfect meal to enjoy any time you want a touch of Middle Eastern-inspired magic in your cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 500g diced boneless lean lamb, preferably from the leg
• 300g sweet potatoes, cut into small chunks
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 50g pitted dates
• 2 tbsp coriander, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced lamb, then fry quickly until the lamb is lightly browned on all sides.
2. Step 2: Add the sweet potatoes, ground coriander, and ground cinnamon to the pan. Mix everything well to combine the spices with the meat and vegetables.
3. Step 3: Pour in 425ml of boiling water and stir in the tomato purée. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Step 4: Cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes and lamb are tender. Add the pitted dates during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Step 5: Once cooked, sprinkle the dish with the roughly chopped coriander and serve warm. This lamb is excellent accompanied by couscous.

Tips & Variations

• Use lamb leg for quicker cooking time; avoid tougher cuts like shoulder or neck unless you adjust cooking times accordingly.
• For extra depth, try adding a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika with the spices.
• Substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of lamb for this recipe?

Yes, but be aware that tougher cuts like shoulder or neck require longer cooking to become tender. Adjust simmering time accordingly to avoid undercooked meat.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely. The flavors improve when the dish rests, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. Simply cool, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

Aromatic Lamb with Dates Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 57 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Aromatic Lamb with Dates recipe features tender diced lamb cooked with warm spices, sweet potatoes, and sweet dates, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish. The subtle cinnamon and coriander give the stew a fragrant depth, complemented by the natural sweetness of dates, making it an ideal meal served with fluffy couscous.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 500g diced boneless lean lamb, preferably from the leg
• 300g sweet potatoes, cut into small chunks
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 50g pitted dates
• 2 tbsp coriander, roughly chopped
• 425ml boiling water

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil and brown lamb and onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced lamb, frying quickly until the lamb is lightly browned on all sides and the onion is softened.
2. Add sweet potatoes and spices: Stir in 300g of sweet potato chunks along with 2 teaspoons each of ground coriander and ground cinnamon to the browned lamb and onions, mixing well to coat everything with the spices.
3. Add liquid and tomato purée, then simmer: Pour in 425ml of boiling water and add 1 tablespoon of tomato purée. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer covered until tender: Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the lamb and sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
5. Add dates and finish cooking: Add 50g of pitted dates to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking to soften and infuse their sweetness into the sauce.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the finished stew with 2 tablespoons of roughly chopped fresh coriander and serve immediately with fluffy couscous for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use lamb leg for quicker cooking and tender results; avoid tougher cuts like shoulder or neck unless adjusting cooking time.
• Dates add a natural sweetness and should be added near the end to avoid overcooking.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste just before serving if desired.
• Serve with couscous or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: lamb stew, aromatic lamb, lamb with dates, sweet potato lamb, spiced lamb recipe, Middle Eastern lamb dish