Tunisian Lamb and Apricot Tagine
A fragrant and tender lamb tagine, slow-cooked with sweet dried apricots, warm spices, and a hint of honey, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 5cm cubes)
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 minced Garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 200 g Dried apricots(halved)
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 500 ml Chicken or lamb broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Toasted slivered almonds(for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender lamb. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or tagine pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes in batches, then set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon stick. Stir to coat the onions and cook for another minute.
- 6
Return the lamb to the pot. Pour in the broth, add honey, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure lamb is mostly submerged in liquid. - 7
Cover the pot tightly and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 hours.
- 8
Add the halved dried apricots to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and continue to cook for another 30 minutes, or until the lamb is very tender and the apricots are plump.
- 9
Remove the cinnamon stick. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Tip: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce. - 10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted slivered almonds. Traditionally served with couscous or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the lamb overnight with the spices.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- ✓If you don't have a Dutch oven, a heavy-based pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of raisins along with the apricots for extra sweetness.
- Include a pinch of saffron for a more luxurious flavor and aroma.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small chopped chili.