Steady Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Moroccan-inspired one-pot masterpiece combining slow-braised lamb, sweet prunes, and toasted almonds for a harmonious balance of flavors. This moroccan-inspired one pot ready in about 80 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, prunes, almonds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Moroccan cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add cubed lamb (2cm pieces) and brown on all sides (8-10 minutes), removing and setting aside.
  2. Step 2: Add prunes, apricots, chopped almonds, and cinnamon to the pot. Cook 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in saffron threads and 200ml water. Return lamb to the pot, bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cover and braise for 1 hour until lamb is tender. Adjust seasoning, then serve over couscous with a drizzle of olive oil and additional chopped almonds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steady Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Steady Lamb Tagine with Prunes 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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steady Lamb Tagine with Prunes 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 Steady Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Steady Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds?

Moroccan one pot 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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