Saffron-Infused Lamb Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-06-19

Slow-simmered lamb tagine richly flavored with saffron, preserved lemon, and green olives, inspired by the timeless art of memory and transformation. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes lamb shoulder, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, 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

• 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch cubes lamb shoulder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large, thinly sliced onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp soaked in 2 tbsp warm water saffron threads
• 2 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon peel
• 3/4 cup pitted green olives
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Step 2: Add the lamb cubes in batches and brown on all sides for about 6-7 minutes per batch until deeply caramelized. Remove lamb and set aside.
3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 1 large thinly sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Return lamb to pot, pour in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 2 tbsp saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm water. Add 2 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon peel and 3/4 cup pitted green olives.
5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover pot, and cook on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp honey, adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Relish this slow-cooked dish reflecting memory’s evolving, unfinished artistry.