Cozy Nights and Fragrant Spices: Spicy Moroccan Lamb Tagine

Spicy Moroccan Lamb Tagine

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that always warms my heart and soul during the chilly winter months. This Spicy Moroccan Lamb Tagine is a dish that reminds me of cozy nights spent with loved ones, sharing stories around the dinner table. The rich flavors and fragrant spices in this dish bring back memories of trips to the bustling markets of Marrakech, where the air is filled with the scents of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.

Ingredients:

• 500g lamb shoulder, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 100g dried apricots
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 500ml chicken or lamb stock
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• a pinch of saffron threads
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• to taste
• fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Tools:

• Dutch oven
• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• wooden spoon

To start, preheat your Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sear the diced lamb shoulder until browned on all sides, then remove from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.

Next, add the sliced carrots, dried apricots, and drained chickpeas to the pot. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and saffron threads, stirring to coat the vegetables with the fragrant spices.

Return the browned lamb shoulder to the pot and pour in the chicken or lamb stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and let it cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Once the Spicy Moroccan Lamb Tagine is ready, serve it hot over a bed of fluffy couscous, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

This dish weighs approximately 1600g after cooking and serves 4 people. Each serving is approximately 400g, with around 500 calories per portion.

A unique tip for this recipe is to add a small handful of toasted almonds to the tagine before serving. The crunchy texture and nutty flavor will add a delightful contrast to the tender lamb and sweet apricots.

I encourage you to give this Spicy Moroccan Lamb Tagine a try and make it your own by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or experimenting with different spice blends. Enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this flavorful dish with your loved ones!