Slow-Simmered Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Cinnamon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Moroccan-inspired stew featuring tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with apricots, cinnamon sticks, and warm spices for a rich and aromatic dish. This middle eastern-inspired middle eastern ready in about 155 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, olive oil, large onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 135 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until deeply caramelized, then remove lamb and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 finely chopped large onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spices release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned lamb to the pot along with 1 cup chopped dried apricots, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp honey, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours until lamb is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving over couscous or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Cinnamon 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-Simmered 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 lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered 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-Simmered Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Cinnamon 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-Simmered Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Cinnamon?

Middle Eastern middle eastern 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

Related recipes