Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives
Tender lamb slowly braised with aromatic spices, preserved lemons, and green olives for a vibrant North African stew. This Mediterranean-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 150 minutes, pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 whole preserved lemon, rind only, thinly sliced
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder chunks and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until deeply caramelized. Transfer lamb to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder to the onion mixture. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until spices are toasted and aromatic.
- Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 whole preserved lemon rind thinly sliced, 1 cup pitted green olives, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook gently for 2 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
- Step 5: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives 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 Preserved Lemons and Olives?
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 Preserved Lemons and Olives?
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 Preserved Lemons and Olives 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 Preserved Lemons and Olives?
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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