Dinner

Lamb & Apricot Stew Recipe

Name: Lamb & Apricot Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 250g stewing lamb pieces; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 1 garlic clove, chopped; 1 tbsp chopped ginger; 2 tsp ras-el-hanout, Berber or other Middle Eastern spice mix; 1 tbsp tomato purée; 5 soft dried apricots, halved; 300ml vegetable or chicken stock; cooked couscous; mint or coriander leaves; lemon wedges

ByJack Voss November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

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Introduction

This Lamb & Apricot Stew is a comforting dish that combines tender lamb with the sweet touch of dried apricots and warm Middle Eastern spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous and fresh herbs.

The image shows a white plate filled with a bed of light beige couscous, which looks fluffy and grainy as the bottom layer. On top, there is a thick stew made of small chunks of brown meat and cooked orange apricots, covered in a rich, dark sauce with a slightly shiny texture. Fresh green mint leaves are scattered on the stew for color contrast. On the right side of the plate, there are two lemon wedges adding a bright yellow touch. A silver fork is placed on the left side, resting on the plate edges and couscous, on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
250g stewing lamb pieces
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 tbsp chopped ginger
2 tsp ras-el-hanout, Berber or other Middle Eastern spice mix
1 tbsp tomato purée
5 soft dried apricots, halved
300ml vegetable or chicken stock
Cooked couscous, mint or coriander leaves, and lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper, then fry briefly until browned on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pan. Add the sliced onion, chopped garlic, and ginger. Cook with a little seasoning for about 5 minutes until the onion softens.
Step 3: Stir in the ras-el-hanout spice mix and tomato purée. Add the halved apricots and pour in the stock. Return the browned lamb to the pan, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cover and cook the stew gently for 25 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Serve the stew hot with warm couscous, fresh mint or coriander leaves, and lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Substitute apricots with dried figs or dates for a different natural sweetness.
Sprinkle toasted almonds over the finished dish for a pleasant crunch.
Use lamb neck or shoulder cuts for more flavorful, tender results.

Storage

Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. The flavors often improve after a day, so this dish is excellent for leftovers.

How to Serve

The dish is served on a large white plate with a ridged rim, placed on a white marbled surface. It has two main layers: the bottom layer is light yellow couscous, textured with tiny grains spread evenly across the plate. The top layer is a rich, brown stew with chunks of tender meat, small orange apricots, and pieces of mushrooms mixed together, giving a moist and hearty look. Small green mint leaves are scattered on top of the stew and couscous for a fresh color contrast. On the side of the plate, there are two yellow lemon wedges positioned near the edge. A fork is partially placed in the stew on the left side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?

Fresh apricots have a different texture and moisture content, so they may soften too much during cooking. Dried apricots add concentrated sweetness and hold their shape better in stews.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this stew?

Yes, you can substitute the lamb with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and chickpeas. Use vegetable stock and adjust cooking times accordingly.