Lamb and Chickpea Tagine

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

A fragrant North African stew with tender lamb, chickpeas, and spiced tomatoes. This north african-inspired lamb ready in about 90 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, (15 oz) chickpeas, tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 North African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Stir in lamb and cook for 3 minutes until browned.
  3. Step 3: Add tomatoes, ras el hanout, cumin, paprika, and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cook for 25-30 minutes until lamb is tender. Stir in chickpeas and olives.
  5. Step 5: Add remaining water and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamb and Chickpea Tagine take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (30 min prep + 60 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 Lamb and Chickpea Tagine?

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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb and Chickpea Tagine?

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 Lamb and Chickpea Tagine 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.

What goes well with Lamb and Chickpea Tagine?

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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