Pin It A hearty one-pot dish featuring tender lamb, aromatic spices, smoky flavors, and orzo pasta, perfect for a comforting family meal with a Mediterranean flair.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite because it combines rich spices with tender lamb and easy orzo pasta all in one pot.
Ingredients
- Boneless lamb shoulder or leg: 500 g (1 lb), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Smoked paprika: 1 tbsp
- Red onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Zucchini: 1 medium, diced
- Canned diced tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Baby spinach: 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
- Dried chili flakes: ¼ tsp (optional)
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Orzo pasta: 200 g (1 cup)
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock: 750 ml (3 cups)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Crumbled feta cheese: 50 g (⅓ cup)
- Fresh parsley: chopped
- Lemon wedges: to garnish
Instructions
- Sear lamb:
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss lamb cubes with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, sear for 3 4 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Reduce heat to medium. Cook onion for 2 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add spices:
- Add cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer lamb and tomatoes:
- Return lamb to pot. Add canned tomatoes and stock. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Cook orzo:
- Stir in orzo and simmer for 10 12 minutes until tender and most liquid absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Add spinach and season:
- Fold in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.
Pin It This dish always brings my family together around the table for a hearty meal full of warm Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
For a smokier flavor add smoked salt or a few drops of liquid smoke. Serve with a crisp Greek salad and crusty bread.
Required Tools
Large heavy pot or Dutch oven, sharp knife and cutting board, wooden spoon.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (orzo) and milk (feta cheese). For gluten-free substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice. For dairy-free omit feta or use plant-based alternative.
Pin It 
This Mediterranean lamb and orzo supper is a perfect weeknight dinner with bold flavors and simple prep.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute lamb with other meats?
Yes, chicken thighs work well as a substitute. They absorb spices nicely and provide a tender texture.
- → How do I achieve a smoky flavor?
Using smoked paprika and optionally smoked salt enhances the smoky aroma and taste throughout the dish.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace lamb with chickpeas and use vegetable stock to keep the flavors rich and savory.
- → What is the best way to cook the orzo evenly?
Add the orzo towards the end of simmering and stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and absorbs most liquid.
- → What sides pair well with this Mediterranean supper?
A crisp Greek salad and crusty bread complement the hearty lamb and orzo beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Substitute orzo pasta with gluten-free pasta or rice to accommodate gluten sensitivities.