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lamb tagine recipe

Savory Lamb Tagine Recipe with Dates for Cozy Nights

This easy lamb tagine recipe combines tender lamb with the sweetness of dates, making it a must-try dish for chilly nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • tagine or large skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Tagine

  • 350 g Lamb Choose a fattier cut such as lamb shoulder for best flavor.
  • 150 g Onion Finely sliced.
  • 2 tablespoons Rapeseed Oil Olive oil is a good substitute.
  • 10 cm Cinnamon Bark Remove before serving.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Mint Use fresh mint as a garnish for freshness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to spice preference.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt

For the Sweet Elements

  • 50 g Blanched Almonds Adds crunch; roasted almonds work well.
  • 75 g Pitted Dates Delivers natural sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Honey Optional if less sweetness is preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh juice is best.

For Simmering

  • 75 ml Water Adjust quantity for desired sauce thickness.

For Garnishing

  • Fresh Parsley Adds vibrancy.
  • Za’atar Optional for added flavor.

Instructions
 

How to Make Lamb Tagine

  • Slice Onions: Peel and slice the onions into half-moon shapes.
  • Heat Oil: In a tagine or large skillet, heat rapeseed oil over low to medium heat.
  • Cook Onions: Add the cinnamon bark and sliced onions; cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes.
  • Prepare Dates: While the onions are cooking, pit and tear the dates into strips.
  • Cube Lamb: Cut the lamb into 1.5-2cm cubes; add the prepared dates and blanched almonds.
  • Season Well: Sprinkle cumin, turmeric, coriander, dried mint, salt, and black pepper over the lamb.
  • Add Honey and Lemon: Drizzle lemon juice and honey over the seasoned lamb mixture.
  • Simmer: Transfer the lamb mixture into the pan, adding water to cover the bottom.
  • Cover and Cook: Place a lid on the tagine or skillet, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Uncover and Stir: After simmering, uncover the dish and stir gently; increase heat for about five minutes.
  • Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of za’atar.

Notes

Perfect for chilly evenings, this tagine warms you from the inside out.
Keyword comfort food, cozy meals, easy dinners, hearty recipes, lamb tagine recipe, Moroccan dish