North African
Moroccan Lamb Tagine
Slow-braised lamb with ras el hanout, preserved lemon, and olives in a fragrant North African tagine. Sweet and savory at once — a dish t...
⏱ Prep 20 min 🍳 Cook 120 min 👥 Serves 4 Advanced
Ingredients
Spices & Herbs
♦3 tbsp WOS Ras el Hanout Moroccan Blend
♦2 tbsp honey
♦2 tbsp olive oil
Other
♦2 lbs lamb shoulder (cubed)
♦1 onion (grated)
♦4 garlic cloves (minced)
♦1 preserved lemon (pulp removed, rind sliced thin)
♦1 cup green olives
♦1 cup chicken broth
♦Fresh cilantro and parsley to serve
♦Couscous for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Rub lamb with ras el hanout and olive oil. Marinate at least 2 hours, overnight is better.
2
Brown lamb in a heavy pot or tagine over high heat. Remove.
3
In same pot, cook grated onion and garlic over medium 5 min.
4
Return lamb. Add broth, honey, and preserved lemon rind.
5
Cover tightly and braise on very low heat 1.5 to 2 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
6
Add olives in the last 20 min.
7
Taste and adjust salt. The preserved lemon will add saltiness.
8
Serve over fluffy couscous. Top with cilantro and parsley.
Flavor Education
Understanding what each spice contributes is the difference between following a recipe and truly cooking.
Ras el Hanout
Complex blend of warm spices — floral, earthy, and aromatic
This blend can contain 30+ spices. Add early and let it bloom in fat before adding protein.
Cinnamon
Unexpected savory warmth in meat dishes
In North African cooking, cinnamon is a savory spice. A small amount in meat dishes adds remarkable depth.
Cooking Tips by Skill Level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Season lightly first — you can always add more, but you can't take it away. Taste at every step and trust your palate.
Build your flavor in layers: bloom your dry spices in oil for 30 seconds before adding liquids to unlock their full depth.
Finish with a hit of acid (lime, lemon, or vinegar) right before serving to brighten and balance the entire dish.
🧂 Spices for This Recipe
These seasonings help you achieve the authentic flavor profile of this dish.
Ras el Hanout Moroccan Blend
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$13.99
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Roasted Habanero Blend
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$8.49
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Berbere Ethiopian Blend
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$12.49
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Harissa Spice Blend
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$10.99
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