Moroccan Lamb & Apricot Tagine

If you’re looking to bring the exotic flavors of North Africa into your kitchen, this Moroccan Lamb & Apricot Tagine is the perfect dish. It’s a heartwarming stew that pairs tender lamb with the gentle sweetness of apricots and the crunch of toasted almonds.

Every spoonful carries the comforting aroma of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon—a combination that makes this tagine both nourishing and irresistibly fragrant. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Best of all, it’s a one-pot wonder: easy to prepare, wholesome, and perfect for sharing with family or guests on a cozy evening.

Ingredients

• 600g lean boneless lamb shoulder, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 100g dried apricots, halved
• 500ml water or vegetable broth
• 30g flaked almonds
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Small bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Season the lamb: Toss the lamb cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, then remove and set aside.
2. Build the flavor base: Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine ingredients: Return the browned lamb to the pot with its juices. Add the carrots, apricots, and water or broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60–70 minutes until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickened.
5. Toast almonds: In a separate dry pan, toast the flaked almonds over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving. Garnish with toasted almonds and enjoy warm.

Tips & Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute lamb with chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based version that still captures those Moroccan spices.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, use fewer apricots or replace half with chopped tomatoes for balance.
• Enhance aroma: Add a strip of preserved lemon peel or a pinch of saffron for a more authentic Moroccan twist.

Nutrition

Approximate total per recipe:

• Calories: 2020 kcal
• Fat: 125g
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fiber: 30g
• Protein: 132g

Serve this tagine with fluffy couscous or warm flatbread to soak up every drop of its rich, golden sauce. Once you try it, you’ll see why Moroccan cooking is celebrated for its depth of flavor and comforting warmth. Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and tag your photos—this dish deserves the spotlight!