| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 591 | 21g | 7g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 29g | 8g | 52g | 0.8g |
There’s something indescribably beautiful about the Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Alligator Pepper recipe that transcends the allure of everyday cuisine. It’s more than just a collection of ingredients and cooking instructions – it’s a cultural tapestry woven with threads of tradition, regional nuances, and ancient cooking methods.
Exotic Meets Homely
You might be wondering how a Nebraskan like me has come to adore a North African dish. Growing up in the Midwest, wholesome food was a significant part of my upbringing. Little did I know, the heart-warming sentiments aroused by comforting meals are universal, and transcend cultural boundaries. Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Alligator Pepper mirrors the hearty meals I grew up with – making it no less comforting. The corn casseroles and beef stews of my homeland might bear no resemblance to this exotic recipe, but the homey sense of satisfaction it imparts is all too familiar.
Health in Hearty Meals
This Moroccan Lamb Tagine blends health with heartiness in an amazingly seamless way. It’s rich in protein from the lamb and chickpeas, and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals thanks to the apricots, dates, carrots, and sweet potatoes. With every bite, you’re not just savoring the incredible fusion of flavors, but also nourishing your body.
The use of alligator pepper, a West African spice, gives this dish its distinctive kick. Despite its fiery essence, it is known to improve digestion and have anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
A Culinary Voyage
What I absolutely love about cooking is its propensity to take you on a sensory journey. This tagine recipe, for instance, imparts a sort of culinary voyage beginning in North Africa with vibrant Moroccan staples and docking in West Africa with the unique alligator pepper. It’s similar in essence to other Moroccan dishes such as the Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives or the Moroccan Vegetable Stew, as they all carry the authenticity and richness of Moroccan cuisine.
Pair this flavorful Moroccan Lamb Tagine with a simple Moroccan spiced couscous or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the tantalizing sauce and evoke an unforgettable Middle Eastern dining experience right at home.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons alligator pepper, finely ground
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup sliced fresh dates
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1 large sweet potato, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked couscous, for serving
Method
Step One
Season the lamb with the alligator pepper, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the lamb until brown on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside.
Step Two
In the same pan, add the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook over medium heat until the onion is tender and golden.
Step Three
Add the ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the onion mixture and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
Step Four
Pour the chicken broth into the pan and stir to deglaze, making sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step Five
Add the browned lamb, chopped dried apricots, sliced fresh dates, chopped carrots, and chopped sweet potato into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours or until the lamb is tender.
Step Six
Stir in the drained chickpeas, honey, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
Step Seven
Before serving, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions.
Step Eight
Serve the Moroccan lamb tagine over the cooked couscous and enjoy.
