Moroccan Spiced Lentil Tagine

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-cooked stew of lentils, apricots, and aromatic spices, served over couscous. This moroccan-inspired indian (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs cooked lentils, pitted and chopped apricots, couscous for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Moroccan cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in ras el hanout, cumin, coriander, and orange zest. Cook for 1 minute to release the aromas.
  3. Step 3: Add apricots, lentils, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Fluff couscous with a fork and place in a serving bowl. Spoon the lentil mixture over it, then garnish with additional orange zest and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Moroccan Spiced Lentil Tagine take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 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 Lentil 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 cooked lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Moroccan Spiced Lentil 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 Moroccan Spiced Lentil 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.

Is Moroccan Spiced Lentil Tagine vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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