Lamb and Green Bean Stew With Spelt (farro)

Submitted by ladypit

"This is a "Cooking Light" recipe that uses spelt (also called farro). While I haven't tried this one yet, I'm currently on a search for good recipes that use old grains and this one sounds good!"

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 10mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 8 cups
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• cooking spray
• 1 lb lamb stew meat
• 1⁄4 cup sliced onion
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1⁄2 cup dry red wine
• 2 cups water
• 3⁄4 cup uncooked spelt, rinsed and drained (farro)
• 1⁄2 cup tomato sauce
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb trimmed green beans
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can undrained diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil

directions

1. Heat a large pan with cooking spray over medium high heat.
2. Put the lamb in and cook for 5 minutes making sure to brown it on all sides.
3. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add the wine and scrape the pan to loosen the browned bits.
5. Add the water and all the rest of the ingredients except the basil.
6. Bring it all to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1.
8. 5 hours or until the lamb is tender.
9. Discard the bay leaf and put the stew into bowls.
10. Sprinkle each serving with basil.

Reviews

[Inge 1505]

A very good dish. The minor complaint is, that I am not overly fond of the slightly chewy texture of spelt. I might try 1/2 lb whole wheat pasta next time, cooked seperately, and reducing cooking liquid for 2 cups water.- I did add 1 cup of halfed cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking, just warming them actually, to have some fresh taste and color. The other major change, I prepared the stew ahead of time without the spelt. When it was done I took off 2 1/2 cups liquid and cooked the spelt seperately in it. I mixed both together 5 minutes before serving. This way I could prepare without the spelt soaking up all liquid. Thank you for a nice recipe, ladypit. :)