2pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
1large onion, finely chopped
4garlic cloves, minced
1tbspground cumin
1tbsppaprika
1tspground coriander
1tspground ginger
1/2tspground cinnamon
1/4tspground cloves
2tbspolive oil
2cupschicken or lamb stock
1cupdried apricots
1cuppitted green olives
1/4cuphoney
2tbspfresh lemon juice
2tbspchopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
2tbspchopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
Add the onion to the same pot and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the cumin, paprika, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the lamb back to the pot, along with any juices that may have accumulated, and stir to coat in the spices.
Add the stock, apricots, olives, honey, and lemon juice and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Allow the tagine to simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and parsley leaves before serving.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Browning the lamb before adding it to the pot adds a depth of flavor to the dish.Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding the spices helps release their flavors and aromas.Use a heavy-bottomed pot or tagine to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.To prevent the tagine from drying out, check it occasionally and add a splash of water or stock if needed.