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Moroccan Slow-Cooked Lamb

Get a taste of North Africa with this lamb slow-cooked with stewed apricots, tomatoes, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon. To complete the Moroccan theme, serve the winter stew atop couscous. Alternatively, pair it with crusty bread for a heartier meal. Just be sure to save some leftovers, as the meat will be even tastier the following day.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 1/2 pounds trimmed boned lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can garbanzo beans(chickpeas), drained
1 cup dried apricots (about 5 ounces)
2 large plum tomatoes, chopped
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (packed) grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Mix the cumin, coriander, salt, fennel seeds, cayenne, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the lamb and toss to coat. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the lamb to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, turning occasionally and adding 2 more tablespoons oil to skillet between batches, about 8 minutes per batch. Transfer the lamb to another large bowl after each batch.

    Step 2

    Add the onion and tomato paste to the drippings in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium; sauté until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, beans, apricots, tomatoes, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and lemon peel and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Return the lamb to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lamb is just tender, about 1 hour. Uncover and simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Transfer the lamb and sauce to a bowl. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

  2. DO AHEAD

    Step 4

    The STEW can be prepared 1 day ahead through step 2. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

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