Description
Craving an exotic, aromatic dish that transports you to the bustling souks of Morocco? Slow Cooker Moroccan Lamb Tagine is your answer! This rich recipe transforms tender lamb shoulder into a melt-in-your-mouth delight, simmered with sweet dried apricots, raisins, and a fragrant blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon
Ingredients
- Lamb Shoulder (2 lbs, cut into chunks):
- Why it’s important: A flavorful, fatty cut that becomes tender and succulent when slow-cooked.
- Substitutions: Lamb leg, beef chuck, or chicken thighs (reduce cooking time to 6–8 hours on low for chicken). For vegetarian, use chickpeas or eggplant (cook 6–7 hours on low).
- Onion (1, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet, savory depth to the base.
- Substitutions: Shallots, leeks, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the tagine with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: ¾ tsp garlic powder or 1.5 tsp garlic paste.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, undrained):
- Why it’s important: Forms the tangy, juicy base of the sauce.
- Substitutions: Fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups), crushed tomatoes, or fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides moisture and enhances the savory flavor.
- Substitutions: Water with a bouillon cube, or beef broth (more robust flavor).
- Dried Apricots (½ cup, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet, chewy bursts that balance the savory spices.
- Substitutions: Dried figs, dates, or prunes (chop finely to distribute flavor).
- Raisins (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Contributes additional sweetness and texture.
- Substitutions: Golden raisins, dried cranberries, or currants.
- Ground Cumin (2 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Provides earthy, warm flavor essential to Moroccan cuisine.
- Substitutions: Ground caraway or extra coriander.
- Ground Coriander (2 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds citrusy, floral notes to complement the cumin.
- Substitutions: Ground fennel or extra cumin.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings subtle sweetness and warmth for authentic Moroccan flavor.
- Substitutions: Allspice, nutmeg, or omit for a less sweet profile.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the lamb and sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and pop of color.
- Substitutions: Fresh parsley, mint, or omit.
- Cooked Couscous or Rice (for serving):
- Why it’s important: Soaks up the flavorful sauce and completes the meal.
- Substitutions: Quinoa, gluten-free couscous, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Tip: Trim excess fat from lamb for a less greasy sauce, and use unsulfured dried fruits for the best flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- In the slow cooker, combine 2 lbs lamb shoulder chunks, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (14 oz) undrained diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, ½ cup chopped dried apricots, ½ cup raisins, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir well to combine, ensuring the lamb is evenly coated with the spices and sauce.
- Tip: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the lamb is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Check doneness at the lower end of the time to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
- Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even cooking, but avoid overmixing to keep lamb chunks intact.
Step 3: Serve
- Stir gently to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Spoon the lamb tagine over cooked couscous or rice, ensuring each serving gets plenty of lamb, fruit, and sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.
- Tip: If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15–20 minutes to reduce, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water to thicken.
