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I found the original version of this recipe in Tapas and Spanish Cookery by Hilaire Walden, and I adapted it to more Southwestern tastes, as well as simplifying it for Instant Pot cooking. As the descendent of many generations of sheep ranchers, I love lamb passionately, and this is probably my favorite lamb dish.

For those who do not live in the Southwestern United States, you can find adequate canned Hatch green chiles at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, but I recommend ordering El Pinto’s Green Chile on Amazon.com. Likewise, any red chile powder, or even some good quality smoked paprika, will do, but Hatch or Chimayo red chile powder is best. Note that if this seems too spicy to you, you can simply substitute bell peppers for the chiles.

LAMB CHILINDRONBrowning lamb in an Instant Pot

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-1/2 lb lean lamb, cubed (lamb stew meat will do in a pinch)
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small Spanish onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup diced Hatch green chiles
  • 4 beefsteak tomatoes, peeled seeded and chopped, or a 12-oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chile powder

Set your Instant Pot to saute and heat the olive oil. Brown the lamb thoroughly, in batches if necessary. Remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Add the onion to the Instant Pot and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add sherry and deglaze the pot. Stir in green chiles, tomatoes, and red chile powder. If using fresh tomatoes, simmer for about five minutes until the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce.

Return the lamb to the Instant Pot and stir briefly to coat with sauce. Close the Instant Pot and set it to Meat/Stew for 45 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to depressurize naturally. Serve with rice. Serves 6.