Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb slowly braised with warm regional spices and sweet apricots, delivering a comforting North African-inspired stew. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 150 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 130 min Serves 6 African cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and brown lamb in batches for 5-6 minutes until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot and pour in 2 cups chicken broth. Add 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots and 1 tbsp honey. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Spices?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Spices?

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 Spices 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 Spices?

African 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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