Arni Me Patates (Greek Lamb Stew with Potatoes and Tomato Sauce)

A wonderful pairing of tender meat and potatoes. Similar to a typical American stew, yet with a distinct Greek touch.

Greek stews traditionally feature just one vegetable and a lot of delicious broth. 

Susan Tweeton

Ingredients

• 1½–2 pounds lean stew meat, lamb or beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 1–2 teaspoons oregano
• Pinch of allspice
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounce)
• 3 cups water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds red or white potatoes

Directions

1. Cut large potatoes into large pieces, or use small baby or “creamer” potatoes and don’t bother with peeling or cutting into chunks. Peel if desired. 
2. Heat olive oil in heavy Dutch oven. Add lamb/beef in batches and brown well on all sides; set aside. Add onion to pot and sauté until golden. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Return lamb/beef to pot and add garlic, bay leaves, oregano, allspice, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth. Bring to simmer and cook for 1–1½ hours until meat is just tender. Add potato chunks and cook approximately 30 additional minutes until meat and vegetables are completely tender. Adjust seasonings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sweet French bread.