Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant North African-inspired lamb tagine slow-cooked with warming spices, tender apricots, and toasted almonds for a rich and aromatic dish. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 160 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes, olive oil, large, sliced onion 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 140 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes seasoned with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Brown lamb in batches for 5-7 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove lamb and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
  4. Step 4: Return lamb to the pot and pour in 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook slowly for 2 hours until lamb is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup halved dried apricots and simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds. Serve warm with couscous or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (20 min prep + 140 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 Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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 Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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 Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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.

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