There’s something magical about gathering around the table with loved ones, especially when there’s a steaming pot of Moroccan Lamb Stew at the center. This dish embodies warmth, tradition, and a pinch of exotic flair that will instantly elevate any family meal or festive occasion. Picture tender lamb mingling with aromatic spices and succulent dried fruits, all cozied up in a rich, flavorful broth. Served over fluffy couscous and garnished with fresh cilantro and a slice of lemon, this stew promises a culinary adventure that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups beef or lamb broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Couscous, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add lamb chunks and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove lamb and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
- Return the lamb to the pot and add broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- After 1.5 hours, stir in the dried apricots and dates. Simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the stew has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the stew over cooked couscous, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
Helpful Tips
- Variations: Add chickpeas or your favorite vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for additional texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have lamb, this recipe works wonderfully with beef or chicken as well.
Pairings
This Moroccan Lamb Stew pairs beautifully with a side of buttery flatbread or a fresh green salad. For drinks, consider serving a mint tea or a robust red wine to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the stew.
We hope this Moroccan Lamb Stew brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag Zynahz on Instagram. We’d love to hear your feedback on our website www.zynahz.com. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and updates. Follow us on social media for daily inspiration. Happy cooking!
