Icelandic Lamb Stew (Kjötsúpa)

Iceland''s most traditional dish — a simple, hearty lamb and root vegetable soup.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 turnip or rutabaga, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup dried split peas or barley
• 6 cups water
• Salt, pepper
• Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)

Method

1. Combine lamb, water, and salt in a pot. Bring to a simmer, skim scum.

2. Add split peas/barley. Simmer 30 min.

3. Add all vegetables. Simmer 30 min more until everything is tender.

4. Season with salt, pepper, herbs.

What You're Practicing

• This is as simple as cooking gets — meat, vegetables, water, time.
• Icelandic lamb is prized for its flavor because the sheep graze on wild herbs and grasses.