Embark on a culinary journey to Morocco with this aromatic and flavorful tagine featuring the delightful combination of apricots and almonds. A traditional North African dish, tagine is known for its slow-cooked perfection, infusing each ingredient with rich spices and exotic flavors. In this recipe, succulent pieces of meat (or vegetables for a vegetarian version) are paired with sweet dried apricots and crunchy almonds, creating a harmonious blend that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Immerse yourself in the warmth of Moroccan cuisine and savor the tantalizing tagine with apricots and almonds.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) lamb, chicken, or vegetables (cubed)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, sliced
- 1/2 cup whole almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Cooked couscous or rice for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the meat or vegetables:
- In a large bowl, season the meat or vegetables with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté onions and garlic:
- In a tagine or large, deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened.
- Brown the meat or vegetables:
- Add the marinated meat or vegetables to the tagine and brown on all sides.
- Add apricots and almonds.
- Stir in sliced dried apricots and toasted whole almonds.
- Simmer with Honey:
- Pour in honey and enough water to cover the meat or vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the tagine and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender (adjust the time for vegetables).
- Garnish and serve:
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve the tagine with apricots and almonds over couscous or rice.
Transport your taste buds to Morocco and relish the exotic flavors of this tagine, a dish that captures the essence of North African culinary tradition. Enjoy the unique combination of sweet and savory in every aromatic bite!