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Braised Lamb with Pearl Onions (Greek Stifado-Style)

This Greek-inspired braised lamb dish takes inspiration from the beloved stifado, a slow-cooked stew known for its rich, aromatic flavors. Tender lamb shoulder is gently simmered with pearl onions, which caramelize and infuse the dish with a natural sweetness. A touch of tomato paste deepens the flavor, while olive oil and butter create a luscious texture. The result is a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dish with a beautifully balanced taste—savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. Traditionally enjoyed as a hearty meal, this dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or a side of rice. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, it showcases the essence of Greek home cooking: simple ingredients, slow cooking, and bold flavors. Serve it with a glass of red wine for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Main | Greek | Gluten-Free | Lamb Stew | Pot | Lamb | Pearl Onion | Tomato Paste | Braising | Sautéing | Searing | Simmering | Family Gathering | Festive | Slow
Time to complete

Prep

20min

Cook

1h 40min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

2h

Ingredients (Makes 6 portions)
  • 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) lamb shoulder, cut into serving-sized pieces
  • 500 g (1.1 lbs) pearl onions, peeled and kept whole
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 tsp sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 250 ml (1 cup) water, divided
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 12
  • Protein: 15
  • Carbohydrates: 5
  • Fiber: 1
Directions

Preparing the Lamb

  • 1. Pat the lamb pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Browning the Meat

  • 2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Sear the lamb pieces for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned.

Simmering the Lamb

  • 3. Pour in 150 ml (⅔ cup) of water, just enough to partially cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Cooking the Onions

  • 4. In a separate pot, heat the butter and remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the pearl onions, season with salt, pepper, and sugar, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Simmering the Onions

  • 5. Pour in 100 ml (⅓ cup) hot water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 35 minutes, or until the onions are soft.

Combining the Ingredients

  • 6. Dissolve the tomato paste in 150 ml (⅔ cup) water and add it to the pot with the lamb. Stir well.

Final Cooking

  • 7. Add the cooked onions along with their cooking liquid to the lamb. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • Prepare in a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Alternative Proteins

  • Substitute lamb with beef or chicken for a different take on the dish.

Cooking Tips

  • For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding water.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves for a more traditional Greek stifado flavor.

Healthier Variation

  • Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.

Ingredient Preparation

  • To easily peel pearl onions, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water and slip off the skins.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • In summer, serve with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.