Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5g (1 tsp) ground cumin
- 5g (1 tsp) ground coriander
- 5g (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
- 5g (1 tsp) paprika
- 5g (1 tsp) turmeric
- 200g (1 cup) dried apricots
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or beef stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 30g (1/4 cup) slivered almonds, toasted
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves for garnish
Cooking Time: Total estimated time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and turmeric.
Step 2: Brown the Lamb
Heat the olive oil in your tagine or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes and brown them on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the lamb and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the sliced onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate the Spices
Lower the heat to medium and add the spice blend to the onions and garlic, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to enhance the spices’ flavor.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Stock
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the canned tomatoes and chicken or beef stock, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Simmer and Cook
Cover the tagine or Dutch oven with its lid and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the tagine cook slowly for about 2 hours, checking occasionally and stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Add Apricots
After 2 hours, add the dried apricots to the tagine. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the sauce richly flavored.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish the tagine with toasted slivered almonds and fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot, accompanied by couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce.
Conclusion
Congratulations on preparing an authentic Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots! This dish not only fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma but also takes your taste buds on a journey to the heart of Moroccan cuisine. The harmonious blend of spices and the succulent, tender lamb make for a meal that is both indulgent and memorable. Share this dish with your loved ones, and delight in the rich tapestry of flavors it offers. Enjoy your culinary creation, and consider pairing it with a mint tea for an authentic Moroccan dining experience!