Moroccan Lamb Tagine Recipe: Taste the Magic of Morocco at Home!
Moroccan cuisine celebrates bold spices, slow-cooked meats, and rich, layered flavors. And if there’s one dish that embodies all these elements, it’s Lamb Tagine.
This slow-cooked stew bursts with aromatic spices, tender lamb, and a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors from dried fruits and honey.
But don’t be intimidated—cooking a tagine at home is easier than you think. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you’ll be serving up an authentic Moroccan feast in no time!
Ingredients
Below is everything you need to create this flavorful dish. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have available.
Main Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb (shoulder or shank, cut into chunks) | 2 lbs (900g) |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Carrots (sliced) | 2 medium |
| Dried apricots (or prunes, chopped) | ½ cup |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Honey (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Chicken or beef broth | 2 cups |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Chickpeas (drained) | 1 cup |
| Fresh cilantro and parsley | For garnish |
Spices:
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Ground coriander | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground ginger | 1 tsp |
| Sweet paprika | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Saffron threads (optional) | A pinch |
Equipment Needed
A tagine pot is ideal for slow-cooking this dish, but a Dutch oven or slow cooker works just as well if you don’t have one.
- Tagine pot – Traditional, slow, and even cooking.
- Dutch oven – Great heat retention, works on stovetop and oven.
- Slow cooker – Set and forget it; cook for 6–8 hours.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the lamb into chunks and pat dry.
- Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic.
- Measure out the spices so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a tagine or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the lamb chunks in batches until golden on all sides. This step locks in flavor.
- Remove the lamb and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté onions until soft.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, turmeric, and saffron.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and stir well.
Step 4: Simmer Slowly
- Return the lamb to the pot.
- Pour in broth and diced tomatoes.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours (or 6–8 hours in a slow cooker).
Step 5: Add the Sweet & Savory Elements
- After 1.5 hours, stir in carrots, apricots, chickpeas, and honey.
- Continue cooking until the lamb is fork-tender.
Step 6: Final Touch & Serve
- Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and parsley.
- Serve hot with couscous, flatbread, or rice.
Serving Suggestions
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Couscous | Fluffy, absorbs sauce beautifully |
| Warm flatbread | Great for scooping up the stew |
| Steamed rice | Soaks up all the delicious juices |
| Roasted almonds | Adds crunch and contrast |
Pro Tips for the Best Tagine
- Use bone-in lamb for a deeper flavor.
- Toast your spices briefly for extra aroma.
- Low & slow is key—don’t rush the cooking process.
- Balance flavors—adjust sweetness (apricots/honey) and acidity (tomatoes).
- Make ahead—Tagine tastes even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish without a tagine?
A: Absolutely! A Dutch oven or slow cooker works just fine.
Q: Can I use beef instead of lamb?
A: Yes! Beef chuck works well and will give you a slightly different but delicious stew.
Q: What if I don’t have saffron?
A: No problem—just leave it out or use a pinch of turmeric for color.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: No, but you can add harissa paste or chili flakes for heat.
Conclusion
Making a Moroccan Lamb Tagine is an experience—your kitchen will be filled with warm spices and a rich, inviting aroma. The long, slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical.
So grab your pot, gather ingredients, and treat yourself to a Moroccan feast. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it repeatedly!
Enjoy and happy cooking!
