Moroccan Style Lamb Recipe

Moroccan Style Lamb is a flavorful dish typically featuring tender lamb cooked with aromatic spices, herbs, and vegetables. The dish often incorporates ingredients like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and sometimes dried fruits like apricots or raisins. It can be prepared as a stew or a braised dish and is usually served with couscous or bread.

Recipe for Moroccan Style Lamb

Ingredients:

• For the Lamb:
  • 2 pounds lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup dried apricots or raisins
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For Serving:
  • Cooked couscous or rice
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Sear the Lamb:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the lamb chunks with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot in batches, browning on all sides. Remove the lamb and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients:

• Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and dried apricots or raisins. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.

4. Add Chickpeas:

• In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, add the chickpeas to the pot. Stir and let the stew finish cooking until the flavors meld together.

5. Serve:

• Serve the Moroccan style lamb over cooked couscous or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and lemon wedges.

Enjoy!

This Moroccan Style Lamb is warm, comforting, and packed with flavors. The combination of spices and sweetness from the dried fruit creates a unique and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.