Lamb Tagine Recipe with Dates and Chickpeas / Slow Cooked Classic Dish

lamb shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: beef chuck

Chicken thighs are lower in fat, while beef chuck offers a more affordable option.

almonds

🥗Healthier: pumpkin seeds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Pumpkin seeds provide a similar crunch and nutrition at a lower cost.

apricots

🥗Healthier: dried figs

💰Cheaper: raisins

Dried figs offer a similar sweetness, while raisins are often less expensive.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade stock can be healthier, while seasoned water is a budget-friendly alternative.

Chop the onion and crush 3 cloves of garlic.

Season lamb leg pieces with salt and black pepper after cleaning them.

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté sliced onions with garlic for about 5 minutes until soft.

Prepare dates by removing the stone and cutting them into small pieces, using about 4-5 dates.

Add spices: cinnamon powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, and paprika to the sautéed onions and garlic; mix well for about 30 seconds to release aromas.

Increase heat and add the seasoned lamb pieces to the pan, searing until beautifully caramelized and golden.

Add plum tomatoes (or chopped tomatoes) to the pan, breaking them up with a spoon and mixing with the meat and spices.

Add chopped dates to the mixture.

Dissolve a stock cube in water and add it to the pan to create the sauce.

Cover and let it cook low and slow for about 3 hours, checking every half hour to stir and ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

About half an hour before the cooking time is over, add in chickpeas and spinach if desired.

Optionally, dust with fresh herbs or pistachios before serving.

Serve over couscous or rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens