Stovetop Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds
A fragrant North African-inspired lamb stew simmered with sweet apricots and toasted almonds for a balance of savory and fruity flavors. This African-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 110 minutes, pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder, cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium (about 1 cup) yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-7 minutes until deeply caramelized, then remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: Lower heat to medium, add 1 cup diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder to the onions and garlic; cook for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Step 4: Return the browned lamb to the pot and pour in 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1 hour until lamb is tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots, season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and apricots plump.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Lamb Tagine 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 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 lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop 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 Stovetop Lamb Tagine with Apricots 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 Stovetop Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds?
African 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.
