Capsaicin Free Pomegranate, Apple & Sage Lamb Stew
Warm, deeply savory, and layered with unexpected sweetness, this lamb stew is the kind of pot that makes the whole house smell incredible from the moment the meat hits the Dutch oven. Bone-in lamb shoulder is seared until deeply browned, then slow-simmered with carrots, parsnips, and tart Granny Smith apples until everything is fall-apart tender and the broth is rich with body. Pomegranate juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar bring a gentle tartness that balances the earthiness of the lamb beautifully, while fresh sage and thyme add an herbal backbone that feels both rustic and refined. For anyone avoiding capsaicin, this recipe is a genuinely satisfying find — hearty, complex stews can often rely on chili-based heat for depth, but this one builds its bold flavor entirely through aromatics, warm spices like turmeric and Ceylon cinnamon, and the natural sweetness of fruit. There is nothing to swap out or work around; the recipe is simply built that way from the ground up. Fresh ginger adds a subtle brightness without any burn, and the bone broth ties every element together into a silky, nourishing base. Finish each bowl with a scatter of fresh parsley and you have a stew that is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the stew
- 2 lb bone-in lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium parsnips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium tart apples (such as granny smith), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup pomegranate juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups bone broth
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the lamb pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels, then season all over with 1 tsp fine sea salt.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in two batches to avoid crowding, add the lamb pieces and sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply browned on at least two surfaces. Transfer the seared lamb to a plate and set aside.
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