Lamb and Date Chutney Stew

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This recipe is my love song to the Karoo and Kalahari. The most comforting meals are often the simplest and most wholesome, and this stew ticks both boxes. The lamb pays homage to the Karoo region, whereas the date chutney and pearl wheat celebrate the riches of the Green Kalahari — South Africa’s Northern Cape on a plate! Whenever I make this chutney, though, I triple up the recipe. Call it a guilty pleasure I indulge in as an accompaniment to anything from a braaibroodjie to a slice of brie.

Lamb and Date Chutney Stew

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Serves: 4

for the lamb stew

45 ml olive oil
1,4 kg lamb knuckles
15 ml Maldon salt
15 ml freshly ground black pepper
15 ml tomato paste
1,5 l beef stock
4 sprigs thyme, fresh
4 medium potatoes, peeled and brunoise

for the date chutney

15 ml olive oil
½ medium onion, chopped
30 g fresh ginger, finely grated
2 medium carrots, peeled and brunoise
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
250 g fresh dates, pitted and quartered
125 ml red wine
116 g (125 ml) light brown sugar
30 ml Worcestershire sauce
75 ml red wine vinegar
3 strands saffron
3 sprigs fresh thyme, picked
10 ml Maldon salt
10 ml freshly ground black pepper

for the pearl wheat

200 g (250 ml) pearl wheat
1 L vegetable stock
4 sprigs fresh thyme
10 ml Maldon Salt
10 ml freshly ground black pepper

for the garnish

almond skins
celery leaves, chiffonade

for the lamb stew

Over high heat, place a large saucepan and heat the olive oil. Sear the lamb knuckles on both sides until browned and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and add the tomato paste and stir through. Add the beef stock and thyme, cover with a lid, and allow to simmer for 1 hour and 20 minutes, add the potatoes and cook for another 20 minutes before the meat is fully cooked.

for the date chutney

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and heat the olive oil. Sauté the onion and add the ginger. Add the carrots and celery and sauté until the onions become translucent. Add the dates and stir through. Add the red wine and allow to reduce for 5 minutes. Add the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, saffron, thyme, salt and pepper and allow to simmer for 15 – 20 minutes, until thickened. Mix the date chutney into the lamb stew before serving.

for the pearl wheat

Place the pearl wheat in a sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Place the vegetable stock in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add the rinsed pearl wheat, thyme, salt, and pepper to the vegetable stock, lower the heat, and allow to simmer for 1 hour, until cooked through. Garnish with celery leaves and almond skins.