Slow-Simmered Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds
Tender lamb slowly cooked with warm spices, sweet apricots, and toasted almonds creates a fragrant Moroccan stew perfect for cozy dinners. This moroccan-inspired lamb ready in about 145 minutes pairs cut into 2-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 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. 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 2-inch cubes lamb shoulder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup, chopped dried apricots
- 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds lamb shoulder cubes in batches, browning each side for 3-4 minutes until deep golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tablespoon harissa paste, then return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the lamb cook gently for 1 hour 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until lamb is very tender.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup chopped dried apricots, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce and soften the apricots.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the tagine before serving. Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 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 Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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-Simmered Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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-Simmered Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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-Simmered Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds?
Moroccan 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.
