Lamb and Apricot Tagine

Name: Lamb and Apricot Tagine
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: North African
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, 2-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ras el hanout (or extra cumin and coriander); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1 cup dried apricots, halved; 1 can canned diced tomatoes; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp honey; 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

A North African slow-cooker tagine with tender braised lamb shoulder, sweet dried apricots, warm spices, and toasted almonds - deeply savory and gently sweet for a rich weeknight feast.

510 minMediumServes 6560 cal/serving

North AfricanDinnerSlow CookerStandardHigh ProteinGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

3 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, 2-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ras el hanout (or extra cumin and coriander)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 cup dried apricots, halved
1 can canned diced tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp honey
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Instructions

1

Season 3 lbs 2-inch cubes boneless lamb shoulder generously with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the lamb cubes on all sides until deep brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2

In the same skillet, cook 2 diced yellow onion over medium heat for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp ras el hanout (or extra cumin and coriander). Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Scrape into the slow cooker.
3

Add 1 cup halved dried apricots, 1 can canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, and 2 tbsp honey to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours until the lamb is very tender and falling apart. An internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) ensures food safety, though braised lamb will typically reach 190°F (88°C) for best texture.
5

Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. Serve over couscous or rice, topped with 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds and 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Lamb and Apricot Tagine?

As written, 510 minutes: 30 of prep and 480 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (overnight, or about 8 hours): "Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours until the lamb is very tender and falling apart."

What internal temperature should Lamb and Apricot Tagine reach?

For Lamb and Apricot Tagine, the target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork. The target internal temperature is 190 F (about 90 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Can I skip the searing in Lamb and Apricot Tagine?

Step 1 reads: "Working in batches, sear the lamb cubes on all sides until deep brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch." You can, but you give up flavor. The browning in step 1 builds the savory base the rest of the dish is seasoned against. Give the pieces room so the pan stays hot.

What can I use instead of ras el hanout in Lamb and Apricot Tagine?

The entry for Lamb and Apricot Tagine calls for 1 tsp ras el hanout (or extra cumin and coriander). In its place: Combine equal parts ground cumin, coriander, ginger and cinnamon with a little paprika and black pepper.

Is Lamb and Apricot Tagine gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Lamb and Apricot Tagine is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the broth.

Serve it with

Kesra side
Chlada Felfla salad
Egyptian Dukkah Nut and Spice Blend sauce
Almond Milk and Orange Blossom Sharbat drink

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