For Day 19 of our A Bowl A Day series, I’m excited to share one of my family’s favorite meals – Lebanese Pea Stew with Lamb (Bazella w Riz bil Lahm). This dish is a perfect example of comfort food that also brings a lot of nourishment. The tender lamb cubes are cooked with fresh peas and a blend of spices that make this stew so aromatic and rich in flavor.
I remember growing up enjoying this dish, and now I love making it for my kids. It’s a beautiful combination of textures and flavors that just come together so perfectly. The lamb is tender, the peas are cooked just right, and the broth has a beautiful depth of flavor that is perfect when served with warm pita bread or rice.

Ingredients:

For the Stew:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 500g lamb cubes (shoulder or stew meat works best)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 cups homemade broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
• 1 tsp dried mint (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Lamb:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb and set aside.
2. Prepare the Base:
In the same pot, sauté the onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the cumin, coriander, and turmeric (optional), cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables:
Return the lamb to the pot. Add the peas, chopped tomatoes, and homemade broth. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.
4. Final Touches:
If you want extra flavor, add the tomato paste and dried mint. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving:
This stew is perfect when served with rice or warm pita bread, and for an extra creamy finish, I love adding a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce on top. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home too