Lunch: Lamb Stew with Caramelized Leeks and Blenheim Apricots

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon

Health benefits of Lamb Stew with Caramelized Leeks and Blenheim Apricots

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Ingredients

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 leeks, light-green and white parts only, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 pounds trimmed boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and pepper
All-purpose flour, for dusting
3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup Chateauneuf-du-Pape or other dry red wine
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
One 15-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained
4 ounces dried California apricots (2/3 cup), preferably Blenheim
One 2-inch cinnamon stick

Instructions

make the stew In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the leeks and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the leeks to a plate.
Season the lamb with salt and pepper and dust with flour; shake off the excess. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in the casserole. Add half of the lamb and cook over moderately high heat, turning, until browned, about 5 minutes; transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon. Repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and lamb. Return all of the lamb to the casserole and stir in the garlic, ginger and tomato paste. Cook, stirring, until the tomato paste is deep red, about 3 minutes. Add the wine and cook until almost evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the leeks, broth, tomatoes, apricots and cinnamon stick and bring to a simmer, breaking up the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender, about 2 hours.
meanwhile, make the topping In a small skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the panko and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape into a small bowl, season with salt and pepper and mix in the lemon zest and parsley.
Discard the cinnamon stick from the stew. Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with some of the topping. Garnish with parsley leaves and serve with crusty bread.