Bahraini Lamb and Vegetable Tagine
A fragrant and hearty lamb stew slow-cooked with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, embodying the rich culinary heritage of Bahrain. This dish is a comforting and flavorful representation of traditional Bahraini home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 400 g Canned diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 100 g Dried apricots(halved)
- 2 tsp Baharat spice mix
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or tagine over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Stir in the tomato paste, baharat, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes - 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.
⏱️ 2 hours - 7
Stir in the dried apricots during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the lamb with spices overnight.
- ✓If using a tagine, ensure it is suitable for stovetop use or transfer to a baking dish for oven cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
- ✓Serve with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or chickpeas.
- For a touch of sweetness and tang, add a tablespoon of date molasses.
- Use a mixture of lamb and beef for a different flavor profile.