Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots
Slow-simmered lamb infused with warm Moroccan spices and sweet dried apricots, creating a fragrant and tender stew. This moroccan-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, olive oil, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup, chopped dried apricots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 8-10 minutes, then transfer lamb to a plate.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return the browned lamb to the pot, add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup chopped dried apricots, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the lamb is very tender and the sauce is rich and thickened.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Moroccan-Spiced 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 Moroccan-Spiced 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 Moroccan-Spiced 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 Moroccan-Spiced 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 Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots?
Moroccan 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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