Secluded Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds
A slow-cooked Moroccan-inspired lamb stew with warm spices, sweet apricots, and crunchy almonds that meld into a rich hidden treasure of flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 130 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, large onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 lamb shoulder, cubed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 8-10 minutes until deeply caramelized.
- Step 2: Remove lamb and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp paprika, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
- Step 4: Return lamb to the pot, season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, and pour in 2 cups chicken broth to cover partially.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1 hour 30 minutes until lamb is tender.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup halved dried apricots and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Secluded Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (25 min prep + 105 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 Secluded Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds?
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, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Secluded Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds?
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 Secluded Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Secluded Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds?
Mediterranean 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.
