Moroccan-Inspired Lamb Tagine

This Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine is a rich, slow-cooked dish brimming with aromatic spices, tender Yorkshire lamb, and sweet dried fruits. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s packed with flavours of cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, balanced with the sweetness of apricots and honey. Ideal for a family dinner or a special gathering, it pairs beautifully with couscous, fresh salads, and a glass of red wine or refreshing mint tea.

INGREDIENTS

1.2 kg lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 cinnamon stick
2 tbsp honey
100g dried apricots, halved
50g raisins or sultanas
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
500ml lamb or vegetable stock
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
2 tbsp flaked almonds, toasted (optional) or a good handful of whole almonds
Salt, to taste

METHOD

Prepare the lamb: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium heat. Brown the lamb chunks in batches, ensuring a good sear on all sides. Remove the lamb and set it aside.
Cook the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions until they’re soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add spices: Stir in the ground cinnamon, cumin, ginger, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and black pepper. Cook the spices for a minute or two, stirring constantly to release their flavours.
Build the sauce: Return the lamb to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes, lamb stock, honey, and cinnamon stick. Stir everything together, making sure the meat is coated in the sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Slow-cook: Cover the pot with a lid, and either let it simmer on the hob over low heat for 2 hours, or transfer to a preheated oven at 150°C (fan) and cook for 2 hours, until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Add dried fruit: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the apricots and raisins (or sultanas). Stir them in, allowing them to plump up and add sweetness to the dish.
Finish and serve: Once the lamb is meltingly tender, stir in the lemon zest and juice. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste. Sprinkle over fresh coriander and flaked almonds just before serving.
- Toasting whole almonds: If using whole almonds, I recommend lightly toasting them first. Simply place the almonds in a dry frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 180°C (fan) for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Adding to the tagine: Once toasted, sprinkle the whole almonds over the lamb tagine just before serving. They’ll add a lovely crunch and nutty depth to the dish.

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There are several sides that complement a Moroccan lamb tagine, enhancing the flavours while adding balance and texture to the meal.

Sides:

Couscous: The most traditional pairing, couscous absorbs the rich sauce from the tagine. You can keep it simple or add herbs like parsley and coriander, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some toasted almonds or pomegranate seeds for a pop of colour and sweetness.
Herb Salad: A fresh herb salad with parsley, mint, and coriander tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of cumin would offer a refreshing, bright contrast to the richness of the lamb. You can add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for extra crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, courgettes, and peppers roasted with olive oil, cumin, and a touch of harissa or paprika would bring earthy, sweet flavours to the plate.
Flatbreads: Moroccan khobz or soft pita breads are perfect for scooping up the lamb and sauce. You can warm them in the oven before serving.
Spiced Rice: A simple pilaf or spiced rice, cooked with cinnamon, cloves, and raisins, adds a mildly sweet and fragrant side that complements the lamb.
Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad with diced red peppers, red onions, chopped parsley, and a lemon-tahini dressing provides a nutty and tangy contrast to the dish.
Grilled Aubergine: Grilled aubergine slices, brushed with olive oil, cumin, and paprika, would add a smoky element to the meal, balancing the sweetness of the dried fruit in the tagine.

Extra Matches:

Labneh or Yoghurt: A small bowl of labneh or thick Greek yoghurt, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil and some za'atar, adds a cool, creamy element to the meal.
Pickled Vegetables: Quick pickled carrots, radishes, or turnips with a vinegar and spice brine provide a tangy bite to cut through the richness of the lamb.

These sides offer a mix of textures and flavours, from refreshing and light to hearty and spiced, all complementing the lamb tagine beautifully.

Related Recipes & Guides

Slow-Cooked Yorkshire Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic

Stuffed Saddle of Lamb with Spinach and Mushrooms

Spicy Middle Eastern Lamb Stew

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Preparation Time: 20-30 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours on low

Hot Tips

Browning the lamb is key to developing deep flavours. Don’t rush this step.
If the sauce is too thick towards the end of cooking, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
For an extra touch, you can toast the spices lightly before adding them to the pot to enhance their aroma.

Pairings

Wine Pairings:

Red Wines: A medium-bodied red wine with good acidity and soft tannins pairs well with the lamb’s richness and the sweetness of the dried fruits.
- Moroccan Syrah: A local Syrah offers earthy, peppery notes that complement the warm spices in the tagine.
- Grenache: This wine's ripe fruit flavours balance the sweetness of the apricots and raisins.
- Rioja: A well-aged Rioja, with its smooth tannins and complex spice, matches the dish’s depth.
- Côtes du Rhône: A blend with Syrah and Grenache offers both earthy and fruity notes, which pair well with the lamb.
Rosé: A dry or slightly fruity rosé, especially from the Provence region, can be a refreshing match, balancing the richness of the lamb with its light, crisp character.

Non-Alcoholic Options:

Mint Tea: Traditional Moroccan mint tea, served without sugar, is a classic pairing. The mint’s refreshing coolness contrasts beautifully with the spices and richness of the lamb.
Spiced Iced Tea: An iced tea flavoured with cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom offers subtle spice that ties in nicely with the tagine’s flavours.
Citrus Water: A simple jug of chilled water infused with lemon, orange, or lime slices, possibly with a few sprigs of mint, offers a refreshing palate cleanser.

Beer Pairings:

Wheat Beer: A light, citrusy wheat beer can complement the spices and dried fruit in the tagine without overwhelming the palate.
Amber Ale: With its caramel and toasty malt flavours, amber ale provides a nice balance to the rich sauce and spiced lamb.

Spirits:

Spiced Rum: If you're looking for a stronger drink, a spiced rum served neat or with a splash of water can echo the warm cinnamon and ginger notes in the dish.

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