Main Courses > Meat Dishes > Lamb > Lamb Stew

Moroccan Lamb Stew with Apricots and Almonds

A fragrant and exotic lamb stew inspired by Moroccan cuisine. This recipe features tender lamb, sweet apricots, crunchy almonds, and a blend of warm spices.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 4 cups Lamb or chicken broth
  • 1 cup Dried apricots, halved
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Toasted almonds, slivered (for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Browning the Lamb

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season lamb cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the lamb in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove lamb and set aside.

Sautéing Aromatics

Add onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Adding Spices

Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon stick. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.

Simmering the Stew

Return the lamb to the pot. Pour in lamb broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.

Adding Apricots and Honey

Stir in dried apricots and honey. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the apricots are plump and the stew has thickened slightly.

Serving

Remove cinnamon stick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with couscous or rice.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 130-160 kcal

Protein: 9-11g

Fat: 6-8g

Carbohydrates: 9-12g

*Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This stew provides a good source of protein and includes fiber from the apricots. The honey adds some sugar, so adjust the amount according to your preference. To reduce fat, trim excess fat from the lamb before cooking.

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FAQ

  • Can I use other dried fruits?

    Yes, you can substitute with other dried fruits like raisins, dates, or figs. Adjust the sweetness accordingly.

  • Can I add vegetables?

    Yes, you can add root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for added flavor and texture. Add them along with the lamb during the simmering process.

  • Is it possible to prepare in a pressure cooker?

    Yes. After browning the lamb and sauteing the aromatics, add all ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Then, add apricots and honey and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Garnish and serve as directed.

  • Can I use different nuts?

    Yes, you can use other nuts like pistachios or walnuts for garnish. Toast them lightly before adding for best flavor.