This Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Oranges masterfully combines tender lamb with the sweetness of prunes and the zest of orange, all slow-cooked to perfection with warm, inviting spices. A delight for the senses, this tagine promises to transport you to the vibrant streets of North Africa from the comfort of your home. Perfect for a cozy evening, it’s a recipe that marries tradition with a touch of the exotic, offering a feast that’s as rich in flavor as it is in history
LAMB TAGINE WITH PRUNES AND ORANGES
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram lean lamb (preferably cut from the shoulder and cubed into 2-3cm pieces)
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 6 cloves (2 teaspoons) of garlic crushed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon chopped or 1 teaspoon dried (or substitute your own favourite herb)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1½ cup water or chicken stock
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp grated orange rind (about one orange)
- ½ cup chickpeas (optional)
- 15 pitted prunes (orange flavoured prunes would be great to use)
- 2 tbsp clear liquid honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup whole blanched almonds (or sliced almonds)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large fry-pan, casserole dish or slow-cooker (or tagine if you have one). Add lamb, onion and garlic – stir over medium heat for 3-4 minutes then add the spices and herbs, water, orange juice and grated rind. Add in the chickpeas if using. Stir to mix well and pour into a large covered casserole.
- Cook for 1 1/2 hours at 160°C (320°F)* (or cook according to your style of cooker, as appropriate). Stir every now and then and add more water if the mixture is getting too dry (I added more orange juice for more flavour).
- When the cooking process is nearly done, season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, add the liquid honey and prunes and cook for 10 more minutes.
- In the meantime, toast the almonds and sesame seeds (adding the seeds in last as they cook more quickly) in a small fry-pan until golden brown. Add the raisins, swirl the pan around to warm them then add to the meat mixture.
- Serve with rice, quinoa or couscous.
This looks beautiful and delicious!
Thanks so much! Yes, it really was yummy. Hope you get to try it!
I will definitely try it, fingers crossed, hope will come out as good as yours! 🙂
Best wishes,
Alice
Let me know how it goes Alice.. you can’t go too wrong with it; it’s quite a forgiving recipe.
Thank you for sharing the recipe! 🙂