LAMB SOUP WITH SPICED LAMB AND POTATOES — A HEARTY, AROMATIC SOUP WITH MEDITERRANEAN FLARE
When unexpected ingredients inspire, magic happens in the kitchen. This lamb soup uses a rich homemade bone broth and tender, spiced lamb meat simmered with potatoes and a warm blend of Mediterranean spices. Finished with fresh parsley and served with cooling yogurt, it’s perfect for a comforting meal.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min + broth prep
🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients
For the Lamb Broth (can be made 1–3 days ahead):
- Several lamb bones (e.g., leg bone, tail, ribs) cracked to expose marrow
- 1 large carrot, cut into large pieces
- 1 small celery piece
- 2 parsley roots
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
For the Soup:
- 300 g lamb meat (back leg), diced small
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 50 ml dry red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 1 heaping tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping tsp turmeric
- 2–3 grinds black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Chili to taste (optional)
- 2 large potatoes, diced to match meat cubes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Plain yogurt, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare Lamb Broth
- Place cracked lamb bones in a pressure cooker and cover with cold water.
- Add large vegetable pieces, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
- Cook under pressure for 45 minutes from when the cooker starts to whistle.
- Strain the broth and refrigerate until needed. (Use 3 cups for the recipe; freeze the rest.)
2. Start the Soup
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until softened.
- Add garlic and diced lamb meat; brown the meat lightly.
3. Deglaze and Add Broth
- Pour in red wine and simmer until evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Add 3 cups of lamb broth.
- Stir in oregano, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, salt, and chili if desired.
4. Simmer
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Add Potatoes
- Add diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve
- Stir in fresh parsley and remove from heat.
- Serve hot, accompanied by plain yogurt.
💡 Tips
- Cracking bones to expose marrow enriches broth flavor.
- Adjust chili and spices to your heat preference.
- Yogurt adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the spiced soup.
- Broth can be made in advance for convenience.
🎉 Perfect For
- Cozy meals with rich, warming flavors
- Using leftover lamb bones for a flavorful broth
- Fans of Mediterranean and Turkish-inspired soups
- Comfort food with aromatic spices
📝 Final Thoughts
This spiced lamb soup is a delicious example of how kitchen surprises can lead to new favorites. The deep, hearty broth paired with tender meat and warming spices, finished with fresh herbs and creamy yogurt, offers a comforting and flavorful dining experience.