Lamb stew is an ideal classic comfort food that is definitive for dinner parties or family gatherings.
It is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a cold and rainy night. The combination of tender lamb and flavorful vegetables is simply irresistible.
It is packed with flavor, protein, and healthy vegetables, and it is an easy meal to prepare for family and friends.
However, deciding what to serve with lamb stew is sometimes a bit tricky as you don’t want to overshadow the taste and aroma of the stew.
You want side dishes that complement the stew’s rich and savory flavors without overpowering them.
Here are some great side dishes that will complement your lamb stew and take it to the next level.
What is lamb stew? What does lamb stew taste like?
Lamb stew is a traditional dish made from slow-cooked lamb, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in a hearty broth.
The flavor of the lamb can be enhanced with herbs such as rosemary and thyme, as well as garlic, onions, and bay leaves.
It’s also often garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
When cooked slowly over low heat, the meat becomes tender and succulent, while the vegetables absorb and complement the savory flavors of the broth.
Lamb stew is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to warm up any cold winter night.
The richly flavored stew has a deep, earthy taste that is full-bodied yet subtle.
The salty broth is nicely balanced by the sweetness of the carrots and potatoes, while the fresh parsley adds a bright herbal note that brings out all these flavors even more.
Best Sides to serve with lamb stew
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are perfect with lamb stew. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, like carrots, potatoes, onions, and Brussels sprouts.
Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until golden brown and tender.
2. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is always a good choice when it comes to serving with lamb stew.
It is easy to make, and you can make it in advance. Simply slice a baguette, brush with garlic butter, and bake.
3. Mash Potatoes
Mash potatoes are another classic side dish that goes well with lamb stew.
You can make them creamy or chunky, depending on your preference. Add some butter and cream for that extra richness.
Discover More: 15 Creative and Delicious Ways to Serve Mashed Potatoes in a Vegetarian Meal
4. Couscous Salad
Couscous salad is a refreshing and light alternative to heavy side dishes like mashed potatoes. It also adds texture and color to your plate.
Simply prepare the couscous and mix it with chopped vegetables like tomato cucumber and herbs like mint and parsley.
5. Green Salad
Green salad is a great way to add some greens to your meal.
You can use any greens you like, such as arugula, rocket, or mixed greens. Dress with olive oil, lemon, and black pepper.
6. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a French side dish that is perfect for lamb stew.
It is made by cooking vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper with garlic and tomato until they are tender and flavorful.
7. Crusty Bread
Crusty bread is the perfect for sopping up the delicious broth of the lamb stew.
Choose bread with a crispy crust and soft interior, like sourdough, baguette, or focaccia.
8. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a perfectly easy and healthy side dish that is perfect for pairing with lamb stew.
Cook the quinoa and add some vegetables like cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and feta cheese. Dress with a vinaigrette of lemon and olive oil.
9. Cabbage Slaw
Cabbage slaw is a fresh and crunchy side dish that goes well with lamb stew.
You can use any cabbage you like and add some grated carrot or apple and a vinaigrette of honey and mustard.
10. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are perfect for summer months when you want to make something light and easy.
Simply grill vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers and dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
11. Roasted Potatoes
Cut the potatoes into wedges or quarters, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and rosemary, and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
The crispy and golden-brown potatoes provide a perfect complement to the tender lamb stew.
12. Braised Fennel
Slice fennel bulbs into thick pieces, sauté them in olive oil and butter until golden brown, and braise in chicken broth until tender.
The sweet licorice flavor of the fennel provides a nice contrast to the savory lamb stew.
13. Grilled Asparagus
Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill until lightly charred. The woody flavor of asparagus provides a great contrast to the rich and meaty lamb stew.
14. Peas and Carrots
Sauté the vegetables in butter until they are tender-crisp. Their natural sweetness and light texture are a perfect complement to the rich and flavorful stew.
15. Roasted Root Vegetables
Chop carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, and sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes.
The caramelized veggies provide a wonderful contrast to the tender lamb.
The main Course to eat is lamb stew.
One of the best main courses to pair with lamb stew is roasted root vegetables.
The hearty, earthy flavors of the root vegetables mingle deliciously with the rich and flavorful stew.
Roasting the vegetables brings out their innate sweetness and adds a wonderful layer of crunch and texture to the plate.
A simple combination of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onions, garlic, and rosemary creates a perfect accompaniment to a warming bowl of lamb stew.
The vegetables can be seasoned with salt and pepper for extra flavor or even lightly drizzled with olive oil before roasting in the oven. This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Appetizers to serve with lamb stew
1. Lamb Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Dipping Sauce
These small, tender morsels are a perfect pairing for lamb stew. Made from ground lamb, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices, the meatballs are simmered in the stew and served with a creamy yogurt-based sauce flavored with mint, capers, lemon zest, parsley, and garlic.
2. Lentil Pate
Lentil Pate is a hearty appetizer filled with protein-packed lentils and flavorful herbs and spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and coriander.
Serve it alongside a plate of fresh vegetables or spread it on toast points for an added crunch.
3. Baked Brie with Rosemary
Creamy brie cheese topped with rosemary is a delicious combination that pairs perfectly with earthy flavors in lamb stew.
Learn More: 22 Best Vegetable to serve with Baked Brie
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for an irresistible flavor combination that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
4. Roasted Garlic Hummus
Garlic hummus provides just the right amount of garlicky kick to offset the richness of lamb stew without overpowering it.
Make your own hummus using chickpeas blended with olive oil, tahini paste, garlic cloves, sea salt, and freshly squeezed lemon juice – serve it warm with some crusty bread or pita chips!
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic dip that gets an extra boost when served alongside a decadent lamb stew – artichokes provide a nice contrast to the rich flavor of the stew, while spinach adds an additional layer of texture for some added interest. Serve it up hot out of the oven!
6. Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta
Bruschetta is always sure to please even the pickiest of eaters – this version features eggplant grilled until tender before being topped with tomatoes cooked down in olive oil until they reach a jam-like consistency;
seasonings include oregano, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar for some added depth of flavor!
7. Caprese Skewers
Fresh mozzarella cubes combined with cherry tomatoes make up these colorful skewers, which can be dressed up by adding slices of prosciutto or basil leaves as desired for an extra touch of gourmet flair!
Serve them as is, or pair them up with some crusty bread for dipping into your delicious lamb stew!
What else is served with lamb stew
Drinks to pair with lamb stew
1. Red Wine
Rich in tannins and full-bodied, a red wine with a high acidity, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, is the perfect pairing for lamb stew.
The bold flavor of the wine complements the herby, succulent flavors of the stew without overpowering it.
2. Beer
A light-bodied beer such as a lager or pilsner can also bring out the unique flavors of lamb stew.
Crisp, bubbly beers are excellent for cutting through the richness of the dish and adding bright notes to each bite.
3. Cider
Sweet cider is an ideal accompaniment to lamb stew due to its sharp sweetness that perfectly balances out the savory notes of this dish.
A dry cider will provide more complexity while still adding some tartness to each spoonful.
4. Sangria
Choose a sangria made with full-bodied red wines that have been blended with fresh fruit juices and sparkling water for an added layer of flavor that is perfect for lamb stew’s hearty texture and aroma.
The sweet yet tangy taste will be sure to delight your taste buds!
Also Try: What to Serve with Sangria – Best Food and Wine Pairing Ideas
5. Port
Sweet port wine is an especially great choice when served chilled alongside a piping hot bowl of lamb stew since it contrasts the warm and rich flavors of this comfort food just right.
Its sweet undertones also make it an interesting choice that pairs beautifully with many different side dishes and desserts, too!
Desserts to go with lamb stew
1. Apple Crumble
Apple Crumble is a classic British dessert and is the perfect accompaniment to a warm lamb stew. (Recipe)
Not only is it warm, comforting, and delicious, but its sweet, spiced combination of apples and cinnamon makes it an ideal pair for the savory flavors in the stew.
2. Rice Pudding
A tried-and-true favorite, rice pudding adds creamy sweetness to balance the hearty flavors of lamb stew.
It can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile and cozy addition to any table.
3. Orange Polenta Cake
For a light and citrusy treat to go with your lamb stew, try baking a polenta cake with oranges.
The moist texture of polenta combines beautifully with fragrant orange zest for a delightful treat that isn’t too heavy after a warm bowl of stew.
4. Saffron Poached Pears
Add an exotic touch to dinner by poaching firm pears in saffron syrup and serving them alongside your lamb stew. (Recipe)
The floral aroma from the saffron mingles nicely with the savory notes of the dish while still providing some natural sweetness from the pears.
5. Spicy Chocolate Mousse
If you’re looking for something decadent after your savory meal, why not try making a spicy chocolate mousse?
The richness of dark chocolate accompanies the warmth of chili peppers for an indulgent dessert that ties together all the components of your meal into one delicious bite!
What are the best flavors to go with lamb stew?
Lamb stew is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of flavorful seasonings.
To really bring out the rich flavor of lamb, opt for warm, earthy spices like cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and turmeric.
Aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley also work well in lamb stew.
Other options to consider include allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
For a touch of sweetness to balance out the savoriness of the stew, add some fresh or dried fruits such as raisins or apricots.
These can be added during cooking or sprinkled on top when served. Adding a bit of citrus juice at the end can also help brighten up the flavors.
Finally, a finishing sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end will give the stew an extra boost of aroma and taste.
How do you jazz up lamb stew?
To jazz up lamb stew, try adding fresh herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, or ginger.
You can also include vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for additional flavor.
Other suggestions include using chopped dried fruits like apricots or prunes to sweeten the stew or adding balsamic vinegar to give it a tangy kick.
Lastly, top it off with some yogurt for a creamy finish! Enjoy!
How do you display lamb stew on a platter?
Lamb stew can be elegantly presented on a platter. First, it is important to create an eye-catching base layer of mashed potatoes.
After mashing the potatoes, spread them evenly across the platter.
To make the presentation more visually appealing, you can decorate the mashed potatoes with sprigs of fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
Once the mashed potato base is set, arrange cubes of cooked lamb stew in concentric circles around the platter.
Place root vegetables such as carrots and onions in between pieces of lamb for a more attractive presentation.
Finally, top off your lamb stew display with a mizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor and color.
Find Out More: 20 Perfect Sides to Serve with Lamb Meatballs
Wrap Up on what to serve with lamb stew
Lamb stew is a flavorful and satisfying meal on its own, but choosing the right-side dishes can take it to the next level.
The ideal key is to choose side dishes that complement the lamb stew’s rich and savory flavors without overpowering them.
From crispy roasted potatoes to creamy mashed parsnips and colorful ratatouille, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So next time you’re making lamb stew, try one of these tasty side dishes and enjoy a well-rounded and delicious meal!
FAQs
How much lamb stew per person?
On a cold winter evening, the perfect meal to warm up is a hearty lamb stew.
Depending on how hungry your family is, you can expect about 4-6 ounces of lamb stew per person.
To make the most of the stew and ensure everyone’s bellies are full, it’s recommended to add plenty of vegetables such as carrots, onions, potatoes, and celery to the mix.
This will help stretch out the stew and make sure everyone enjoys a healthy and balanced meal that doesn’t leave them feeling overstuffed or underfed.
Additionally, serve each bowl with some crusty bread to complete the experience and soak up all that delicious lamb flavor.
What vegetables pair well with lamb?
Lamb is an incredibly versatile meat and pairs well with a variety of vegetables.
Garlic, onions, and mushrooms are all ingredients to cook together with lamb. Carrots, peas, and potatoes are classic vegetables that taste great with lamb.
Root vegetables like turnips, parsnips, and beets can be cooked alongside lamb to add depth and flavor.
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano provide a bright touch to any dish.
Roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, celery root, or broccoli also provide a delicious accompaniment to the savory flavor of lamb when flavored with butter or olive oil.
Lastly, various greens like spinach or kale make for an excellent side dish when lightly sautéed in garlic or butter.
All of these vegetables help bring out the sumptuous flavor of the lamb while providing a hearty base for your meal!
Middle Eastern side dishes for lamb
Some of the best side dishes to accompany a delicious lamb dish include tabbouleh, a salad made with parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat;
Baba ganoush, a roasted eggplant dip flavored with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini;
hummus, a creamy chickpea dip that can be spiced with cumin or red pepper flakes;
couscous with vegetables like carrots, onions and turnips;
stuffed grape leaves known as dolmas filled with seasoned rice and herbs;
spicy yogurt sauces such as raita to cool down the palate;
fattoush, a traditional Middle Eastern salad with cucumbers and sumac dressing; and pita bread for scooping up any leftovers.
All of these side dishes are packed full of flavor and will give your lamb dish some serious Mediterranean flair.
