Shackled Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots

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

A fragrant Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine slow-cooked with warm spices and sweet dried apricots, delivering tender meat and rich flavors. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, dried apricots, chopped, large yellow onion, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 5, 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 5 Middle Eastern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then brown in batches for 4 minutes per side until deeply colored; transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large sliced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp ground coriander, cooking for 1 minute until spices release fragrance.
  4. Step 4: Return lamb to the pot, add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup chopped dried apricots, and 1 tbsp honey. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 2 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Finish by stirring in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot with couscous or flatbread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shackled 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 Shackled 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 dried apricots, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shackled 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 Shackled Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Shackled Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

Middle Eastern 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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