Season lamb or chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet brown the lamb or chicken in hot olive oil; remove, reserving oil. Add onion to the reserved oil in the skillet; cook until tender but not brown, adding more oil if necessary. Drain off the fat. Return the meat to the skillet; add the 1/2 cup of water and the stick cinnamon. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover and simmer for 30 minutes.