LAMB AND CHICKPEA STEW WITH SWISS CHARD, YOGURT, AND AROMATIC HERBS

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful lamb stew combining tender meat, creamy chickpeas, and vibrant Swiss chard, enriched with Greek yogurt and fragrant spices. This rustic dish is perfect for a comforting meal, offering a balanced blend of protein and greens with a subtle spicy kick from chili flakes.

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🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour 15 min
🍽️ Servings: 2-3

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🥄 Ingredients

• 250 g lean lamb meat (from the leg), cut into medium pieces
• 250 g cooked chickpeas (see instructions for cooking chickpeas or use canned)
• 175 g Swiss chard leaves (or young spinach)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 200 g Greek yogurt (10% fat)
• 1 tsp dried ground mint
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cut lamb into medium-sized chunks suitable for stew. Wash Swiss chard leaves, stack them, roll tightly like a cigar, and chop coarsely.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the chopped onion until just softened.
3. Add the lamb pieces and brown evenly on all sides. If desired, lightly caramelize the meat but avoid burning the onion.
4. Stir in crushed garlic to coat the meat with its aroma. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper while mixing.
5. Gradually add Swiss chard in three batches, stirring after each until the leaves wilt down.
6. Pour in 300 ml water—just enough to cover the meat—and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 1 hour, or until the meat is very tender and easily pierced with a fork. If there is excess liquid near the end, uncover to reduce the sauce slightly.
7. Add the cooked chickpeas and stir gently. Heat just until warmed through.
8. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with chili flakes and dried mint. Remove the pot from heat and once the stew stops boiling, quickly stir in the yogurt mixture until fully incorporated into the sauce.
9. Let the stew rest for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

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💡 Tips

• Use young Swiss chard or spinach for a milder flavor and tender texture.
• Adjust chili flakes to control spiciness.
• Stir yogurt in off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Serve with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or bulgur for a complete meal.

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🎉 Perfect For

• Cozy family dinners
• Hearty winter meals
• Balanced, flavorful stews
• Mediterranean-inspired comfort food

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📝 Final Thoughts

This lamb and chickpea stew blends tender meat and wholesome vegetables with the creamy tang of Greek yogurt, creating a deliciously balanced and aromatic dish. The gradual layering of flavors from garlic, mint, and chili makes it a delightful and nourishing choice for any occasion. Simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, it’s a recipe to cherish and revisit often.