Smoky Mediterranean Lamb Orzo

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 became a favorite after my first attempt to bring a bit of Mediterranean warmth to cold evenings

Ingredients

• Meats: 500 g (1 lb) boneless lamb shoulder or leg cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes, 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• Vegetables: 1 medium red onion finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 medium zucchini diced, 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes, 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach
• Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp dried chili flakes (optional), salt and black pepper to taste
• Grains & Liquids: 200 g (1 cup) orzo pasta, 750 ml (3 cups) low sodium chicken or vegetable stock, 1 tbsp olive oil
• Garnishes: 50 g (⅓ cup) crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley chopped, lemon wedges

Instructions

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Step 1:

In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium high heat. Toss the lamb cubes with smoked paprika salt and pepper then add to the pot. Sear for 3–4 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2:

Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

Step 3:

Add cumin oregano cinnamon and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4:

Return the lamb to the pot. Add the canned tomatoes and stock. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

Step 5:

Stir in the orzo and simmer for 10–12 minutes stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6:

Fold in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7:

Serve hot garnished with crumbled feta chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Save to Pinterest

Cooking this meal brought my family around the table sharing stories and savoring every bite

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp Greek salad and crusty bread to complete the Mediterranean experience

Substitutions

Substitute lamb with chicken thighs or make it vegetarian by using chickpeas for a hearty alternative

Pairings

Pairs well with a medium bodied red wine such as Grenache or Merlot to complement the smoky spices

Save to Pinterest

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

This smoky Mediterranean lamb and orzo supper is the perfect cozy meal to enjoy any night of the week.

Questions & Answers

→ What cut of lamb works best for this dish?

Boneless lamb shoulder or leg cut into cubes is ideal, as it becomes tender and flavorful during simmering.

→ Can I substitute orzo with another grain?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta or rice to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising texture.

→ What gives the dish its smoky flavor?

Smoked paprika along with optional smoked salt contribute a rich, smoky depth to the dish.

→ Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian variation?

Replacing lamb with chickpeas creates a satisfying, plant-based alternative while maintaining hearty textures.

→ What garnishes enhance this meal?

Crumbled feta, chopped fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon brightens and complements the smoky flavors.