Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cubed
- 16 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced in half
- 1 large carrot, sliced into large pieces
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped
- 8 oz. pearl onions, peeled and sliced in half
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
Thickening and Fats
- 5 tablespoons flour, divided
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, plus 1 teaspoon additional
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cube the lamb shoulder and set aside. Slice cremini mushrooms in half, peel and halve pearl onions, slice carrot into large pieces, mince garlic, and coarsely chop the red onion.
- Sear the Lamb: Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting. Add 1 teaspoon of butter and allow it to melt. Toss lamb cubes in 2 tablespoons of flour to coat, then brown the lamb in batches until all sides develop a deep crust. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add red onion, pearl onions, and cremini mushrooms. Sauté until they begin to soften and develop color, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, fresh thyme, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize and deepen in flavor.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the dry red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Lamb: Return the seared lamb to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ mode on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Make Roux and Thicken: In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of flour to make a blond roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Slowly whisk in a few ladles of the stew sauce from the Instant Pot, blending smoothly to make a gravy.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the roux mixture back into the Instant Pot stew and stir well. Using the ‘Sauté’ function, simmer the stew for 5-7 minutes until thickened and luscious.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Plate the lamb stew hot, ideally with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a full-bodied dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- Coating the lamb in flour before searing helps develop a flavorful crust and thickens the stew slightly.
- If pearl onions are not available, small shallots can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference or omit for a milder stew.
- Allowing a natural pressure release for 10 minutes prevents toughening the lamb.
- The butter and flour roux is key to achieving a silky, thickened stew sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: European