Djiboutian Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds
A fragrant and tender lamb tagine, slow-cooked with sweet apricots, crunchy almonds, and a blend of aromatic Djiboutian spices. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage influenced by Arab and African traditions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 400 g Diced tomatoes(canned)
- 500 ml Lamb or beef broth
- 150 g Dried apricots(halved)
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 50 g Blanched slivered almonds(toasted, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or tagine pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.
- 6
Stir in the dried apricots and honey. Continue to cook, covered, for another 30 minutes, allowing the apricots to soften and the flavors to meld.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should have thickened slightly.
- 8
Serve the tagine hot, garnished with toasted slivered almonds and fresh cilantro or parsley. It is traditionally served with couscous or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the lamb overnight with some of the spices.
- ✓If using a tagine pot, ensure it is properly seasoned and used on a heat diffuser if cooking on a stovetop.
- ✓Don't rush the slow cooking process; it's essential for tenderizing the lamb.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of raisins along with the apricots for extra sweetness.
- Include a few preserved lemon wedges in the last hour of cooking for a tangy citrus note.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a fresh chili.