Monaco-Style Lamb Tagine
A fragrant and flavorful lamb tagine with North African influences, reflecting Monaco's cosmopolitan culinary scene. This dish features tender lamb slow-cooked with aromatic spices, dried fruits, and almonds, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Ras el hanout
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Dry red wine
- 2 cups Chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup Dried apricots(halved)
- 1/2 cup Prunes(pitted)
- 1/4 cup Roasted almonds(slivered)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or tagine over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ras el hanout, cumin, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half.
- 5
Return the lamb to the pot. Add the chicken or vegetable stock, dried apricots, and prunes. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly.
- 6
Transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) and braise for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.
- 7
Remove the lid, stir in the roasted almonds, and continue to cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the top of the lamb to become slightly crispy.
- 8
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even richer flavor, marinate the lamb in the spices, wine, and stock overnight.
- ✓If you don't have a Dutch oven or tagine, a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
- ✓Serve with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of saffron for an extra layer of flavor and color.
- Include other dried fruits like raisins or figs.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili.