Discover the heartwarming flavors of Greece with our Slow Cooker Ikarian Stew! This delightful dish, inspired by the culinary traditions of Ikaria, is not just a meal—it's a journey into a world of rich, savory aromas and wholesome ingredients. With tender chunks of lamb simmered to perfection alongside vibrant vegetables, this stew is a feast for the senses. Imagine coming home to a comforting bowl of stew after a long day, where every bite transports you to sun-kissed Mediterranean shores. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this easy, mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb, cut into chunks
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting lamb into even 1-inch chunks, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
- Chop onion into medium-sized pieces and mince garlic finely to release maximum flavor.
- Cube potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces and slice carrots diagonally into half-inch thick rounds.
- Season lamb chunks generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, massaging spices into the meat.
- Place seasoned lamb at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a foundational layer.
- Layer chopped onions, minced garlic, potatoes, and carrots over the lamb.
- Slowly pour vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly submerged.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing ingredients to slowly tenderize and develop deep flavors.
- After 6 hours, carefully check meat's tenderness - it should easily pull apart with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
Tips
- Ingredient Preparation: For the best texture and flavor, cut your lamb into even 1-inch chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly and become tender throughout the long cooking process.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Generously season the lamb with salt, pepper, and oregano before layering it in the slow cooker. This will enhance the overall flavor of the stew.
- Layering Technique: When layering the ingredients, place the seasoned lamb at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows the juices from the lamb to infuse the vegetables as they cook.
- Broth Coverage: Pour the vegetable broth slowly to ensure all ingredients are mostly submerged. This helps in developing a rich and flavorful broth that ties the dish together.
- Cooking Time: Be patient! Allow the stew to cook on low for the full 6 hours. This slow cooking process is key to achieving tender meat and melding the flavors beautifully.
- Final Touch: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. A little tweak can elevate the flavors even further.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve your Ikarian stew hot with a side of crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, making every meal a delightful experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
