Four-Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds

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

A fragrant slow-cooked lamb tagine featuring a blend of four warming spices balanced by sweet apricots and toasted almonds. This African-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 125 minutes, pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, ground cumin, ground coriander 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: 105 min Serves 6 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and add 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour 45 minutes until lamb is tender.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, stir in 1/4 cup toasted chopped almonds and 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro for texture and brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Four-Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (20 min prep + 105 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 Four-Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds?

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 ground cumin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds?

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 Four-Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds 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 Four-Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds?

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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