Authentic Mediterranean Vegetable Tagine with Preserved Lemons

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, slow-simmered stew of seasonal vegetables in a fragrant citrus-herb sauce, featuring preserved lemons and aromatic spices. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs medium zucchini, medium yellow squash, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.7 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice onion and garlic. Slice preserved lemons (discard seeds) into 1/4-inch half-moons. Cut zucchini and yellow squash into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin and 1 teaspoon coriander, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to break down.
  4. Step 4: Add squash, zucchini, preserved lemon slices, and 1.5 cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender but still hold shape.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup pitted green olives and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning — should be bright from lemon, earthy from spices, and savory from broth. Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Mediterranean Vegetable Tagine with Preserved Lemons take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 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 Authentic Mediterranean Vegetable Tagine with Preserved Lemons?

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 medium zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Mediterranean Vegetable Tagine with Preserved Lemons?

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 Authentic Mediterranean Vegetable Tagine with Preserved Lemons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Authentic Mediterranean Vegetable Tagine with Preserved Lemons vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes