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slow cooked lamb stew with swede and aubergine

In Partnership with ‘Lamb – Try It Love It’

This is a truly hearty lamb stew that can be served straight from the slow cooker! It is packed with vegetables such as potatoes (or swede for a low carb version), aubergines and tomatoes, while anchovy paste, olives and capers bring on the FLAVOUR!

I love cooking with lamb as it can stand up to strong flavours and spices without losing its own unique taste. And there’s nothing like slow cooking to bring out the best in lamb!

What Cut of Lamb Is Best for Stew

Diced lamb shoulder, neck fillet, shanks or breast are all perfect for slow cooking. Use diced lamb steaks if you want a leaner stew, as I have done here.

You can even cook a big cut of lamb such as a half leg or shoulder whole, as long as it fits into your cooker. Shred the lamb when it is fork tender and add the shredded lamb back into the sauce so it absorbs all the yumminess!

How to Make Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

↓ For the full ingredients and detailed method, jump to the recipe card.

STEP 1 Heat the oil in a casserole dish or in your slow cooker if it allows for searing. Add the onion, olives and capers.

sauteing onions capers and olives in a slow cooker

STEP 2 Add the diced lamb, anchovy, garlic and tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes until the lamb colours a little and onion has softened.

STEP 3 Transfer to the slow cooker. Add the chopped tomatoes, potatoes or swede, aubergine and stock. Stir in seasoning and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring halfway through if you can remember.

STEP 4 Discard the bay leaves, taste and check the seasoning. Garnish with plenty of chopped parsley and lemon zest and serve with my crusty bread and a bold red wine.

Should I Brown the Lamb First?

I always think that browning the meat before adding to a stew adds loads of flavour. In this recipe you CAN skip it if you are short on time.

Simply add all the ingredients in your slow cooker – making this an easy “dump and start” recipe.

Lamb Stew Tips and FAQs

Avoid a watery stew! The slow cooker doesn’t allow for any liquid evaporation so you will need to add a small amount of stock or red wine. Cover the cooker with a clean linen towel before adding the lid to eliminate extra moisture.

Season carefully. Flavours tend to become more pronounced as the stew cooks in your crockpot. Add a little salt and pepper at the start then adjust the seasoning just before you serve.

Storing and freezing? Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze this stew for up to three months. Make sure you reheat the stew until piping hot all the way through before serving.

lamb stew served in a blue bowl garnished with parsley

Try These Delicious Lamb Recipes!

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