Four-Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

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

Slow-cooked lamb infused with four warm spices, sweet apricots, and toasted almonds, delivering a rich Moroccan-inspired stew perfect for cozy dinners. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 130 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 480 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: 110 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced large onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until 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. Cook spices with the onion mixture for 1 minute to bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, add 1 cup chopped dried apricots, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 1 1/2 hours until lamb is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp honey and 1/3 cup toasted almonds. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp lemon zest before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Four-Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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-Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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-Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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-Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds?

Mediterranean 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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