"Discover a flavorful lamb, olive, and caramelized onion tagine recipe. Perfectly spiced, tender, and rich—ideal for a hearty, Moroccan-inspired meal!"
Here’s a list of all the ingredients for a **lamb, olive, and caramelised onion tagine**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe rank better:
- **1.5 kg lamb shoulder** (bone-in or boneless, cut into chunks)
- **2 large onions** (thinly sliced for caramelising)
- **1 cup chicken or lamb stock** (for a rich, flavorful base)
- **1 cup dried apricots** (optional, for sweetness and texture)
- **1 handful fresh cilantro** (chopped, for garnish)
- **1 handful fresh parsley** (chopped, for garnish)
- **Salt and black pepper** (to taste)
- **1 tbsp butter** (optional, for richness)
This **Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine** combines tender lamb, briny olives, and sweet caramelised onions for a flavorful, aromatic dish. Perfect for slow cooking and serving with couscous or crusty bread!
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# How to Make a Flavorful Lamb Olive and Caramelised Onion Tagine
If you're looking for a hearty, aromatic dish that combines tender lamb, briny olives, and sweet caramelised onions, this **lamb olive and caramelised onion tagine** is perfect. This Moroccan-inspired recipe is packed with rich flavors and is ideal for a cozy dinner. Follow these detailed steps to create a dish that will impress your family and friends.
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## **Ingredients**
- 1.5 lbs (700g) lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup chicken or lamb stock
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 preserved lemon, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Lamb**
- Season the lamb chunks generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the lamb in batches, ensuring each piece is seared on all sides. Remove and set aside.
### **2. Caramelise the Onions**
- In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and caramelised.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
### **3. Add Spices and Build Flavor**
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Add the tomato paste and honey, mixing well to coat the onions.
### **4. Combine Ingredients**
- Return the browned lamb to the pot and add the stock, green olives, and preserved lemon (if using).
- Stir to combine, ensuring the lamb is well-coated with the sauce.
### **5. Simmer the Tagine**
- Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the tagine simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
### **6. Garnish and Serve**
- Once the lamb is fork-tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Serve the tagine hot with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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## **Tips for Success**
- Use a traditional tagine pot if you have one, but a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven works just as well.
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the lamb in the spices and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
- If you don’t have preserved lemons, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, tangy note.
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This **lamb olive and caramelised onion tagine** is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal. The combination of tender lamb, sweet onions, and briny olives creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Morocco. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of North African cuisine!