Libyan Lamb and Apricot Stew (Tagine)
A rich and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb simmered with sweet dried apricots, aromatic spices, and a savory broth. This dish, often prepared in a tagine or a similar pot, balances sweet and savory notes, making it a comforting and deeply satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Lamb shoulder or neck(cut into 2cm chunks)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 cm Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Paprika(optional)
- 12 whole Dried apricots
- 400 g Chopped tomatoes(canned)
- 200 ml Water(or half a can of chopped tomatoes)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- Couscous(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan/gas mark 3/325°F). Drizzle olive oil into a large ovenproof saucepan or cast iron casserole dish. Add the sliced onion and cook on a gentle heat, with the lid on, for about 5 minutes, until softened but not brown.
- 2
Add the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika (if using). Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir and cook for another minute.
- 3
Add the lamb chunks to the pot, stirring to coat the meat in the onions and spices. Add the salt, dried apricots, canned chopped tomatoes, and water. Stir everything together.
- 4
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.
- 5
Check the stew. If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid and simmer for a further 10-15 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 6
Serve the lamb and apricot stew hot with fluffy couscous.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the lamb in the spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- ✓If you don't have an ovenproof pot, you can simmer this stew on the stovetop over low heat, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness by adding more or fewer apricots, or a touch of honey.
🔄 Variations
- Add other dried fruits like raisins or prunes.
- Include root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for a heartier stew.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can add a touch of heat.