Exotic Moroccan Spiced Lamb Recipe

Today, I’m excited to share a unique recipe inspired by the flavors of Morocco. I wanted to create a dish that would transport me to the bustling markets and vibrant colors of the souks. This recipe for Moroccan spiced lamb with apricot and almond couscous is my way of bringing a little piece of that magical place into my own kitchen.

Preparation

To start, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need 500g of lamb shoulder, cubed; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon of cumin; 1 teaspoon of coriander; 1 teaspoon of cinnamon; 1 cup of dried apricots, chopped; 1 cup of almonds, toasted and chopped; 200g of couscous; 1 tablespoon of olive oil; 500ml of chicken stock; salt and pepper for seasoning.

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• heavy-bottomed pot
• wooden spoon

Start by heating the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add the cubed lamb, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Allow the lamb to brown on all sides before pouring in the chicken stock. Cover the pot and let simmer for 1.5 hours until the meat is tender.

While the lamb is cooking, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then stir in the chopped apricots and almonds. Season with salt to taste.

Tips

For a richer flavor, you can toast the couscous in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking it in the chicken stock. This will add a nutty undertone to the dish.

Serving

Once the lamb is cooked and tender, serve it over a bed of the apricot and almond couscous. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the top for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint for a pop of color and freshness.

Approximate total weight of the cooked dish: 1300g
Approximate number of servings: 4
Average weight of one serving: 325g
Approximate calorie count per serving: 600 calories

I hope you enjoy this Moroccan-inspired dish as much as I do. Feel free to play around with the spices and add your own twist to make it truly your own. Happy cooking!