Midnight Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricots

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

A slow-cooked Moroccan-inspired lamb stew featuring tender lamb chunks simmered with warm spices and sweet apricots, perfect for a comforting dinner. This middle eastern ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5 inch cubes, olive oil, yellow onion, finely chopped 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown them on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp harissa paste. Cook spices with onions and garlic for 2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 1 cup beef broth, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Return the browned lamb to the pot along with 1/2 cup halved dried apricots.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Finish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro stirred through. Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Midnight Spice Lamb Tagine 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 Midnight Spice Lamb Tagine 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 Midnight Spice Lamb Tagine 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 Midnight Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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 Midnight Spice Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

Middle Eastern middle eastern 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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