Tagine Lahem bil Barkouk
Moroccan Lamb with Prunes
A classic Moroccan tagine featuring tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with sweet prunes, fragrant cinnamon, and crunchy almonds. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Onions
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 0.5 tsp Saffron threads
- 500 ml Water or lamb stock
- 200 g Prunes
- 3 tbsp Honey
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 100 g Almonds
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a tagine base or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat (around 200°C / 400°F). Brown the lamb in batches until deeply golden brown on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 2
Reduce the heat to medium (around 180°C / 350°F). Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ground ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 7-8 minutes - 3
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the cinnamon stick, soaked saffron threads (including the water), and the water or lamb stock. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low (around 150°C / 300°F), cover the tagine or pot tightly, and let it cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender and easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours - 4
Stir in the pitted prunes and honey. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the prunes to plump up and soften. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
⏱️ 20-30 minutes - 5
To serve, ladle the lamb and prune tagine into shallow bowls. Garnish generously with the toasted blanched almonds and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, traditionally with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best flavor, use lamb shoulder as it has enough fat to become meltingly tender during the long cooking process.
- ✓Ensure the lamb is well-browned for a richer, deeper flavor in the final dish.
- ✓The sweetness from the prunes and honey should balance the savory lamb and spices. Adjust honey to your preference.
- ✓To toast almonds, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-8 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add dried apricots along with the prunes for an extra layer of sweetness and fruitiness.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added with the other spices for a subtle hint of heat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture.