Middle Eastern Slow-Cooked Stew With Lamb, Chickpeas, and Figs

• 4

  cups onions, sliced and separated into rings

DIRECTIONS

• Let the oil get heating in a large pot over medium-high heat; also coat pan with cooking spray.
• Add in half the cubed lamb; stir/saute 8 minutes or until browned; remove from pan.
• Repeat procedure with remaining lamb.
• Return first batch of lamb back to pot so that all the lamb is now in the pot.
• Add in onion, 1/4 cup water, and garlic; cook 4 1/2 minutes or until lightly browned, scraping pan to loosen browned bits.
• Add in cumin and the next 6 ingredients; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
• Stir in broth and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil.
• Cover, lower heat, and simmer 1 hour.
• Stir in chickpeas and the next 3 ingredients; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until the carrots are done.
• Stir in mint and salt.
• This dish is best when made ahead of time and refrigerated up to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld.
• May reheat in a slow-cooker or on the stove-top if desired.