This spicy ground lamb stew brings the heat but sweet pickled mustard seeds and a bright finish of parsley and lemon helps brighten and soften the spice.

Pickled mustard seeds are also known as poor man’s caviar and it’s the perfect addition to this spicy ground lamb stew.

Grade

Serves: 4

Cost: $$

Skill Level: Easy

Time to Make: About 1 hour 20 minutes (45-55 minutes inactive)

Ingredients for Spicy Ground Lamb Stew with Pickled Mustard Seeds

Spicy Ground Lamb Stew

2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil

1 pound ground lamb

1 tablespoon powdered harissa seasoning (or use chili powder and cayenne powder to taste)

1 jalapeño, minced

1 yellow onion, peeled and diced

5 carrots, trimmed, peeled, and cut into rounds

2 tablespoons tomato paste

¼ cup vermouth or red wine

4 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon cayenne powder, more or less to taste

1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized cubes

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1 cup uncooked white rice

2 teaspoons butter

Pickled Mustard Seeds

¼ cup yellow mustard seeds

½ cup rice wine vinegar

½ cup water, more as needed

¼ cup granulated sugar

Method

Prepare Pickled Mustard Seeds:

Combine all ingredients for the pickled mustard seeds in a small sauce pan. Bring to a low boil, stir, and then reduce heat to very low and simmer for 45 minutes. Add splashes of water as necessary to keep the mustard seeds just submerged and stir occasionally.

Transfer the pickled mustard to seeds and liquid to a bowl and set aside at room temperature until ready to serve.

Note: Leftover pickled mustard seeds should be stored in an airtight container and will last for months in the fridge.

Prepare the Lamb:

In a wide pot, heat the neutral cooking oil over medium heat until very hot. Add the lamb and season with salt and pepper. Cook the lamb for 10-12 minutes, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon, until well-browned all over. Add the harissa and stir to coat everything. Use a slotted spoon to remove the lamb from the pot and transfer to a bowl.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Return the pot to medium and add the diced onion and minced jalapeño. Cook, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes or until the onion has begun to soften. Add the sliced carrots and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften and take on a deeper color around the edges.

Prepare the Stew Base:

Add the tomato paste to the pot of vegetables and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the paste begins to deepen in color.

Add the vermouth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Pour in the chicken stock, turn the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add the garlic and onion powder, cinnamon and cloves, and the cayenne powder to taste. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer the Lamb Stew:

Return the cooked lamb to the pot and simmer the stew, uncovered, for 35-45 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded. Taste and season to your preferences.

Prepare the Garnish:

Combine the lemon juice, parsley, and lemon zest in a bowl and toss to combine.

Prepare the Rice:

While the spicy ground lamb stew is simmering, prepare the rice by combining it with water, a sprinkle of salt, and the butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover, and simmer over very low heat for 16-17 minutes. Turn off the heat and rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

To Serve the Spicy Ground Lamb Stew:

Divide the cooked rice between bowls and and pile the spicy ground lamb stew on top. Spoon two tablespoons of the pickled mustard seeds (with liquid) on each dish and garnish with the parsley and lemon mixture. Enjoy!

Pin this Spicy Ground Lamb Stew with Pickled Mustard Seeds for Later!

I don’t make lamb often, but when I do, it’s usually for a special occasion, like this amazing New Year’s Eve dinner lamb chops!