Cinnamon-Spiced Moroccan Lamb Stew with Apricots
A hearty Moroccan stew featuring tender lamb simmered with sweet apricots and warming cinnamon, perfect for comforting dinners. This moroccan-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large, diced onion 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup, chopped dried apricots
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) fresh cilantro
Instructions
- 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 8 minutes; remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent, then add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Return the browned lamb to the pot. Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 cup chopped dried apricots, and 2 cups beef broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until lamb is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with couscous or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Moroccan Lamb Stew with Apricots take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Moroccan Lamb Stew 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Moroccan Lamb Stew 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Moroccan Lamb Stew 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Moroccan Lamb Stew with Apricots?
Moroccan 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.
