Moroccan Lamb Tagine With Figs Recipes

MOROCCAN LAMB TAGINE WITH FIGS

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat. Add half the lamb and cook, stirring once or twice, until well-browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pan. Repeat with the remaining oil and lamb. Reduce heat to medium low and add the onions and ¼ teaspoon salt to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender and beginning to brown. Be careful not to burn the browned bits in the bottom of the pan. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Return the lamb to the pan along with the ginger, saffron, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon salt; stir to combine. Add the chicken broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until the meat is tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick. Tilt the pan to the side and remove any fat floating on the top of the sauce with a spoon. Add the figs, honey, black pepper and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and bring to a simmer. Simmer, partially covered, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve the tagine with the sesame seeds and cilantro (if using) sprinkled over the top. Note: To toast seeds, spread on baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 3 to 5 minutes or until brown.

MOROCCAN LAMB TAGINE (MROUZIA)

Steps:

• Mix water, paprika, ras el hanout, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and salt in a small bowl. Add red pepper flakes to the spice paste if you want more of a kick to your dish.
• Place lamb cubes in a large bowl and rub in the spice paste. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
• Melt butter in a Dutch oven. Add onions, shallot, garlic, and cinnamon sticks; saute for 6 to 8 minutes. Add lamb with the spice paste. Cover with chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add more stock if lamb looks dry.
• Add almonds, carrots, apricots, raisins, prunes, and honey to the Dutch oven. Simmer until lamb is completely tender, carrots are cooked, and almonds are slightly softened, 15 to 30 minutes more. Add lemon juice. Season with salt.

MOROCCAN LAMB SHANKS WITH DRIED FRUITS

Steps:

• Combine first 8 ingredients in large bowl and coat meat with this mixture; can be marinated several hours or overnight, or proceed immediately with cooking. Preheat oven to 350. Heat additional 2 tbsp olive oil in large Dutch oven or roasting pan over medium heat and brown the lamb shanks on all sides, two at a time (takes about 8 minutes per batch), and then remove to platter. Add onions and carrots to pot and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until onions are nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Add the wine, scraping up any browned bits, then add beef broth and lemon peel. Bring to simmer, put lamb shanks back in the pot in one layer, spooning the sauce & vegetables over them. Cover tightly and bake for 90 minutes, opening the oven a couple of times to turn the lamb and admire your progress. Add chopped ginger, dried fruits, lemon juice and honey and bake another 30 minutes. Remove meat and fruits to deep serving dish. Reduce sauce over high heat about 5 minutes until it turns a rich glossy brown. Pour sauce over lamb and serve, or cool and refrigerate overnight to be reheated next day.