Absorbed Spices Lamb Tagine with Apricots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked lamb tagine where tender meat imbibes a rich blend of warm spices and sweet apricots, delivering a fragrant North African classic. This north african-inspired lamb ready in about 120 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, olive oil, large yellow onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 100 min Serves 6 North African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot and pour in 2 cups chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup halved dried apricots, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes until lamb is tender and has imbibed the spiced broth.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with couscous or flatbread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Absorbed Spices Lamb Tagine with Apricots take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Absorbed Spices Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Absorbed Spices Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Absorbed Spices Lamb Tagine with Apricots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Absorbed Spices Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

North African lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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