Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Cinnamon
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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes lamb shoulder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup, halved dried apricots
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfetto! This is my new favorite weeknight dinner. The lamb melted off the bone and the apricot-cinnamon sauce was amazing.
- ★★★★★
I've never made a tagine before, but this recipe made it so easy. The cinnamon and apricot combination is divine. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This tagine was a hit at my dinner party! The lamb was so tender and the apricots added the perfect sweetness. Everyone asked for the recipe.