Stovetop Braised Moroccan Lamb with Apricots and Almonds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb braised with aromatic spices, sweet dried apricots, and crunchy almonds, creating a rich Moroccan-inspired stew perfect for cozy dinners. This moroccan-inspired lamb ready in about 110 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, large onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds cubed lamb shoulder seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, searing in batches for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb to the pan, add 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and reduce heat to low, braising gently for 1 hour until lamb is tender.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 cup chopped dried apricots and continue cooking uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the lamb before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Braised Moroccan Lamb with Apricots and Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Stovetop Braised Moroccan Lamb 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 large onion, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Braised Moroccan Lamb 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 Stovetop Braised Moroccan Lamb 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 Stovetop Braised Moroccan Lamb 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.

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