Hey there! Looking for a dinner that feels special but is actually super easy to make? I’ve got just the thing for you. This Moroccan Lamb Tagine is one of those dishes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s really quite straightforward. It’s packed with amazing flavors and the lamb gets so tender, it practically melts in your mouth. Plus, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or even for when you have friends over.
Ingredients Needed
* 1.5 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 large onions, thinly sliced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 cups low sodium chicken or beef broth
* 1 cup dried apricots, halved
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Cooked couscous, for serving
* Toasted slivered almonds, for garnish (optional)
Step By Step Making
1
First things first, let’s get that lamb ready. Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
2
Grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the lamb cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear them on all sides until they’re nicely browned. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
3
Now, add the sliced onions to the same pot. You might need to add a tiny bit more olive oil if the pot looks dry. Cook the onions, stirring often, until they’re soft and golden brown. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic, ground ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it) to the pot with the onions. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute, until the spices are really fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to loosen any browned bits from the bottom. Those bits are full of flavor!
6
Return the seared lamb cubes to the pot. Add the halved dried apricots. Stir everything to combine.
7
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want the lamb to be super tender. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing is sticking.
8
After about 1.5 to 2 hours, check the lamb. It should be fork-tender. If it’s not quite there yet, just keep simmering it, covered, for another 30 minutes or so. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
9
Taste the tagine and add more salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be nice and thick. If it seems too thin, you can uncover the pot and let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce.
10
Serve the lamb tagine hot over fluffy couscous. Sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds, if you like, and a little extra fresh cilantro for garnish. Enjoy your delicious meal! You could even serve this with something like our Sunny Avocado Toast with a Perfectly Poached Egg for a lighter side dish, though the couscous is traditional and yummy.
Nutritional Value
A serving of this Lamb Tagine (about 1.5 cups of tagine with 1/2 cup couscous) is roughly 600 calories. It contains about 36g of protein, 51g of carbohydrates, and 27g of fat. Keep in mind that these numbers can change a bit based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Health Benefits
This Moroccan Lamb Tagine is more than just a tasty meal; it’s also good for you! Lamb itself is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It also provides important vitamins like B12, which helps your brain and nervous system work well. The spices used, like ginger and turmeric, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help support your immune system. Dried apricots add fiber, which is great for digestion, and also provide some vitamins. When you pair this with couscous, you get complex carbohydrates for energy. Overall, it’s a balanced meal that can help keep you feeling full and nourished. This dish is a wonderful example of how flavorful food can also be healthy, just like other dishes found on Azeely.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
