Smoky Mediterranean Lamb Orzo (Printable)

Tender lamb and smoky spices mingle with orzo and veggies for a comforting Mediterranean meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
08 - 3.5 oz baby spinach

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
12 - ¼ tsp dried chili flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Grains & Liquids

14 - 1 cup orzo pasta
15 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
16 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Garnishes

17 - ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Lemon wedges

# How-To:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss lamb cubes with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
02 - Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and zucchini, cooking for 5 minutes with occasional stirring.
03 - Mix in ground cumin, dried oregano, cinnamon, and optional chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Return lamb to the pot. Add canned diced tomatoes and stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
05 - Stir in orzo pasta and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Fold in baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty one-pot meal
  • Rich smoky Mediterranean flavors
02 -
  • Substitute lamb with chicken thighs or chickpeas for a vegetarian option
  • Orzo contains wheat; use gluten free pasta or rice for gluten free diets
03 -
  • Sear lamb well to develop deep smoky flavor
  • Simmer uncovered to allow sauce to thicken perfectly
Return