Description
Ever wondered how to transport your taste buds to the vibrant souks of Morocco without leaving your kitchen? Slow Cooker Moroccan Lamb Tagine is your passport to a world of exotic flavors! This hearty dish combines tender lamb, sweet dried fruits, and warm spices in a rich, aromatic sauce that’s as comforting as it is adventurous.
Ingredients
- Lamb Shoulder (2 lbs, cut into chunks):
- Why it’s important: Lamb shoulder is rich and tender when slow-cooked, absorbing the spices and sauce beautifully.
- Substitutions: Beef chuck or chicken thighs work, but lamb offers the most authentic flavor. For a vegetarian version, try chickpeas or eggplant.
- Onion (1, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Provides a savory, slightly sweet base that complements the spices.
- Substitutions: Red onion or shallots for a milder flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the tagine with warm, aromatic depth.
- Substitutions: 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, undrained):
- Why it’s important: Creates a tangy, juicy base for the sauce.
- Substitutions: Fresh diced tomatoes (about 2 cups) or crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavors.
- Substitutions: Water with a bouillon cube or low-sodium broth.
- Dried Apricots (½ cup, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Brings sweet-tart notes that balance the savory spices.
- Substitutions: Dried figs, dates, or prunes for a similar sweetness.
- Raisins (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds bursts of sweetness that complement the lamb and spices.
- Substitutions: Dried cranberries or currants for a different twist.
- Ground Cumin (2 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Provides a warm, earthy flavor that’s essential to Moroccan cuisine.
- Substitutions: Ground caraway or extra coriander.
- Ground Coriander (2 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet note to the spice blend.
- Substitutions: Ground fennel or cumin.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings a warm, sweet-spicy depth that ties the flavors together.
- Substitutions: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a similar warmth.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and bright color.
- Substitutions: Fresh parsley or mint for a different herbaceous note.
- Cooked Couscous or Rice (for serving):
- Why it’s important: Soaks up the flavorful sauce and completes the meal.
- Substitutions: Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or flatbread for variety.
Tip: Use high-quality spices and dried fruits for the best flavor, and chop apricots into small pieces for even distribution.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Cut 2 lbs lamb shoulder into 1–2-inch chunks, trimming excess fat.
- Chop 1 onion into small pieces.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Chop ½ cup dried apricots into small pieces.
- Tip: Keep lamb chunks similar in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
- Place the lamb chunks in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, 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 coat the lamb and distribute the spices and fruits evenly.
- Tip: Ensure the lamb is mostly submerged in the liquid for maximum tenderness.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the lamb is fork-tender and falls apart easily.
- Stir halfway through if possible to blend the flavors.
- Tip: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes on high to reduce it.
Step 4: Serve
- Spoon the lamb tagine over a bed of cooked couscous or rice.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a vibrant, fresh finish.
- Tip: Taste and adjust salt or spices before serving for perfect flavor.
