Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Cinnamon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Moroccan-inspired stew simmered with tender lamb, plump apricots, and warm spices, creating a deeply comforting meal. This moroccan-inspired mediterranean ready in about 105 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes lamb shoulder, olive oil, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 85 min Serves 4 Moroccan cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season lamb cubes with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides (about 5 minutes total), removing and setting aside.
  2. Step 2: Add onion to the pot and cook until softened (5 minutes). Stir in garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return lamb to the pot, pour in chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 1 hour until lamb is tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in dried apricots and pomegranate molasses. Cover and simmer for 15 more minutes. Stir in fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 105 minutes (20 min prep + 85 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 Cinnamon?

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 Cinnamon?

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 Cinnamon 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.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Cinnamon?

Moroccan mediterranean 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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