Lamb and Vegetable Tagine
A fragrant Middle Eastern stew combining slow-cooked lamb with seasonal vegetables and warming spices. This middle eastern-inspired one pot ready in about 100 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, medium onion, medium tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder
- 1 medium onion
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup couscous
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté 1 diced onion until translucent, then add 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder and cook until browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 2 diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, then add 1/2 cup couscous, 1/2 cup olives, and 1/4 cup raisins.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup water and simmer for 1.5 hours until the lamb is tender. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with additional couscous.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lamb and Vegetable Tagine take to make?
Total time is about 100 minutes (40 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 Vegetable 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 Vegetable 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 Vegetable 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 Vegetable Tagine?
Middle Eastern one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 60-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
