Best Easy Stufato di Agnello Recipe

Slow-braised lamb stew with vegetables and wine is Italian comfort food at its core. This high protein mediterranean family dinner is a hearty carnivore dish that freezes well.

Cook 180 min Difficulty NORMAL 410 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces 2.5 lbs
  • Yellow onion, chopped 1 cup
  • Carrots, sliced 1 cup
  • Celery, chopped 1 cup
  • Yukon gold potatoes, cut into chunks 2 cups
  • Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, drained) 1 cup
  • Dry red wine 1 cup
  • Low-sodium beef broth 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Olive oil 3 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves, minced 3 cloves
  • Kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • Black pepper 1 tsp
  • Fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tsp
  • Fresh thyme leaves 1 tsp
  • Bay leaf 1 piece
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 18%
Protein 32 g 31%
Fat 21 g 51%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat the lamb pieces dry and season with 1 tsp salt and half the black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then brown lamb pieces in batches, turning occasionally for 6–8 minutes total. Set aside browned lamb.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil, chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent without browning.

  3. 3

    Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and the bay leaf. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care the garlic does not burn.

  4. 4

    Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 4 minutes over medium-high heat.

  5. 5

    Return lamb to the pot with its juices. Stir in diced tomatoes and potatoes. Pour beef broth over to cover, then bring to a simmer. Cover with lid and braise on low heat (just an occasional bubble breaking the surface) for 2.5–3 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender.

  6. 6

    Check the stew at the 2-hour mark; if too much liquid remains, crack the lid and cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to concentrate. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The star of Stufato di Agnello is lamb shoulder, providing the signature robust flavor and tender texture that defines this classic Italian stew. Its marbling and connective tissue make it perfect for slow braising, resulting in succulent meat that soaks up the aromatic blend of vegetables and herbs.
Q. What cooking technique ensures the lamb turns out tender?
Slow braising over low heat is essential for tender lamb. After browning, the lamb is gently braised for 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing connective tissues to break down and ensuring each piece remains moist and full of flavor. Maintaining a gentle simmer—never a rapid boil—prevents drying and toughening of the meat.
Q. How do I prevent the stew from becoming watery or bland?
To avoid a watery stew, keep the lid partially off during the last phase of cooking if needed. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and intensifies the sauce. Properly browning the lamb and vegetables in the initial steps builds a rich, deep flavor foundation—do not skip these steps for best results.
Q. What are the calorie and protein contents per serving for this recipe?
Each 350g serving contains approximately 410 kcal and 32 grams of protein, making this Stufato di Agnello a hearty, high-protein dish that's great for family dinners or meal prep. The nutritional balance fits well with Mediterranean diet principles.
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