This Slow Cooker Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots is a fragrant and flavorful dish that combines tender lamb with sweet apricots, warming spices, and a rich sauce. It’s the perfect cozy meal for a weekend or dinner party, and the slow cooker does most of the work, infusing the lamb with deep Moroccan flavors.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Tagine:
- 2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or slivered (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the lamb cubes in batches, ensuring they are seared on all sides. This will add extra flavor.
- Once browned, transfer the lamb to the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ginger, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, cloves, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, apricots, honey, and lemon juice, and cook for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Slow Cook:
- Pour the sauce over the lamb in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the lamb is tender and easily falls apart.
- Finish and Serve:
- Before serving, check the seasoning and adjust the salt or honey if needed for balance.
- Top with sliced almonds (if using) and freshly chopped cilantro and parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve the Moroccan lamb tagine with couscous, rice, or warm flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- For a richer sauce, add a handful of raisins or prunes along with the apricots.
- You can substitute lamb with beef or chicken for a different variation, though lamb provides the most authentic flavor.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook this on the stovetop in a Dutch oven over low heat for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the lamb stays tender.