One Pot Moroccan Lamb and Chickpea Stew

It’s getting cooler outside and a good time to include some one pot stews and soups like this Moroccan Grass Fed Lamb and Chickpea Stew

Homemade stew doesn’t have to mean slaving over the stovetop for hours. This comes together in about 30 minutes, and can even be pressure cooked in the Instant Pot for 5 minutes, allowing the pressure to release naturally

There are some spices with anti-inflammatory properties, like harissa, and ginger, balanced with sweet vegetables such as Vidalia onion, and carrots, plus a few prunes

If grass fed ground lamb is not available, you can use ground turkey, beef, or chicken, preferably organic and pasture raised

Why should I use grass fed meat?

Grass fed lamb is not only higher omega 3 fats and protein, it is lower in total fat compared to conventionally raised lamb

What’s better for us, is better for the animal

Lamb are ruminants meant to forage on a natural diet in a pasture of grass or hay, not high grain and other diets like corn and soy. The four compartment stomach has microbes and enzymes to break down and digest the fibers in grass. Grains digest more quickly, but cause a lot of problems with intestinal flora including ulcers and liver disease, making the animals quite sick

What’s better for us, is also better for the environment

Sustainable agricultural practices support biodiversity of soil and plants, while feed lot farming decimates the land, confining the animals to small areas, thus often requiring antibiotics to avoid disease from poor sanitation

Does all natural mean grass fed?

According to the FDA, natural means there are no artificial flavors or colors added, but does not ensure grass fed

Where can I find grass fed meat?

Supermarkets and local farmers are a good source for grass fed meats, plus there are lots of options in online markets and big box stores with competitive pricing

Print

Moroccan Grass Fed Lamb Chickpea Stew

Course dinner, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine anti inflammatory, Comfort Food, dairy free, gluten free, Moroccan

Keyword 30 Minute Meal, Anti Cancer, Anti Inflammatory, Carrot, chilis, Dairy Free, garbanzo bean, Ginger, gluten free, Grass Fed, Lamb, Stew

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp good olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion diced
• 8 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp hot smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp harissa
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 carrots sliced
• 1 # ground lamb
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 3 pitted prunes mashed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 15 oz can garbanzo beans drained
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Zest from one lemon
• Optional: Tzatziki or Raita sauce as garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium pot, over medium heat, saute onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, harissa, ginger, cilantro, and carrots in oil, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes
   
2. Add lamb, breaking up into bite size pieces, and incorporate into onion mixture
3. Add tomatoes, prunes, salt, garbanzo beans, wine, and lemon zest; stir to combine
   
4. Cook covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, then ladle into bowls
   

Recipe Notes

*Harissa is a spicy Middle Eastern chili paste found in most supermarkets in the condiment aisle
Optional: Serve stew with tzatziki or raita sauce and additional harissa for garnish
You can also make this in an Instant Pot by pressure cooking for 5 minutes, and allowing pressure to release naturally