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Instant Pot Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Spices

Instant Pot Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Spices

This Instant Pot Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Spices is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender bone-in lamb chunks, creamy chickpeas, and a warm blend of aromatic spices. Prepared quickly in an Instant Pot, it combines rich, complex flavors with minimal effort, perfect for cozy meals that please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 pounds bone-in lamb chunks (shoulder or leg)

Legumes

  • 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (drained)

Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Condiments

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Liquids

  • 3 cups chicken or lamb broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs & Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Lamb: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add lamb chunks in batches, browning evenly on all sides to lock in juices and build flavor. Remove browned lamb and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly to create a savory base.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly. Then add cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon, toasting them briefly to awaken their aroma.
  4. Deglaze and Combine Ingredients: Pour in broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Return the seared lamb and drained chickpeas to the pot and stir to combine.
  5. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 35 minutes to tenderize the lamb and blend flavors.
  6. Natural Release and Final Touches: Allow the pressure to release naturally to maintain moisture. Open the lid, stir the stew, and adjust salt or spices if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Brown the meat well to enhance flavor and prevent a bland stew.
  • Using bone-in lamb adds richness and nutrients to the broth.
  • Don’t skip toasting the spices to unlock their full aroma.
  • Use natural pressure release for tender meat and to avoid splatter.
  • Adjust salt and spice levels after cooking to taste.
  • For thicker stew: simmer on sauté after cooking or add a cornstarch slurry.
  • To use dried chickpeas, soak overnight and cook separately first or increase cooking time.
  • Can be adapted for stovetop or slow cooker with adjusted cooking times.
  • Variations: add vegetables like carrots or potatoes, swap meats, or make vegan with mushrooms and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: instant pot lamb stew, chickpeas stew, lamb with chickpeas, easy lamb recipe, pressure cooker stew, gluten free stew, hearty lamb stew, spiced lamb stew