Slow-Cooked Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds
Tender lamb slow-cooked with warm Moroccan spices, sweet apricots, and crunchy toasted almonds for a rich and aromatic stew. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 155 minutes pairs cut into 1.5-inch cubes lamb shoulder, olive oil, large, diced yellow 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. 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, cut into 1.5-inch cubes lamb shoulder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup, chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup, slivered toasted almonds
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- 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 salt and black pepper. Brown the lamb on all sides for 6-8 minutes until deeply golden. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1 tbsp harissa paste. Cook the spices with the onions and garlic for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Step 4: Return the browned lamb to the pot and pour in 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 hours until the lamb is tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup chopped dried apricots and 2 tbsp honey. Continue cooking uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the apricots soften.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with couscous or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricot and Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 155 minutes (20 min prep + 135 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 Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricot 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 Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricot 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 Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricot 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 Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricot 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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