Active Time

　　25 min

　　Total Time

　　2 1/4 hr

　　The mild heat and deep flavor of Maras and Urfa peppers are wonderful not just in kebabs but also in soups and stews.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 to 8 servings

　　2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 3/4-inch chunks

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　2 medium onions, thinly sliced

　　6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

　　1/4 cup red-wine vinegar

　　7 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock or broth

　　1 (15-to 19-ounces) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

　　1/4 cup apricot preserves or minced dried Turkish apricots

　　2 teaspoons ground coriander

　　2 teaspoons ground cumin

　　1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　1 teaspoon Maras pepper plus more for sprinkling

　　1 teaspoon Urfa pepper plus more for sprinkling

　　1 1/2 pounds boiling potatoes (about 4 medium)

　　1/4 cup dried currants

　　1/4 cup chopped oregano

　　1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste

　　Accompaniment: rice

　　

Step 1

Pat lamb dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat oil in a wide 5-to 6-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Brown lamb on all sides in 3 batches until golden-brown, 4 to 5 minutes per batch, transferring to a plate with a slotted spoon.

　　

Step 2

Add onions to pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in vinegar and cook, scraping up brown bits, until vinegar has evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Return lamb with meat juices to pot. Stir in stock, chickpeas, preserves, and spices (including Maras and Urfa pepper) and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.

　　

Step 4

Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to stew (after 1 hour) and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes and lamb are tender, about 30 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in currants, oregano, and lemon juice. Season with salt.

　　

Step 5

Serve sprinkled with additional Maras and Urfa pepper.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Stew improves in flavor if made at least 1 day ahead and keeps up to 3 days.