Palmer’s Direct To You Market
Lamb and Chickpea Tagine
This lamb and chickpea tagine is a hearty and aromatic Moroccan-inspired dish, featuring tender lamb simmered with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices. Perfectly balanced with sweetness from dried apricots and a hint of citrus, this tagine is a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Total Time: 2 hrs 20 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients
1.5 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
2 cups beef or lamb broth
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lamb: Season the lamb cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the lamb and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, dried apricots, and browned lamb back to the pot. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Finish and Serve: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste. Serve hot over couscous or with crusty bread.
Notes
Pairing Suggestions: Serve with warm couscous, naan bread, or a simple green salad.
To Ensure Success: Allow the tagine to simmer slowly for the full cooking time to develop deep flavors. Using a heavy-bottomed pot helps maintain even heat.
Variations: You can add other dried fruits like raisins or prunes for extra sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories