Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Dates & Sweet Potatoes Recipe: A Tagine That’s Sweet and Spiced!
Inspiration and invigoration define Moroccan cuisine. Impress your guests with this lamb tagine with dates and sweet potatoes! This dish combines dates, sweet potatoes, and spiced lamb for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for family gatherings and special occasions!
Ingredients for Lamb Tagine with Dates & Sweet Potatoes
- 80 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 4 onions, finely chopped
- Fresh ginger, finely minced, measuring two tablespoons
- 2kg or 4 lbs lamb shoulder, boneless and cut into 5cm pieces
- 4 tsp ground cumin seeds
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 2 tsp ground coriander seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 850 ml tomato puree
- 700 grams sweet potatoes, cut into cubes
- 350 grams pitted dates
To Serve
- 100 grams sliced blanched almonds, pan-toasted
- A small bunch of roughly torn coriander leaves
Instructions: How to Make Lamb Tagine with Dates & Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Onions
In a large pan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the onions and cook for about five minutes until softened.
Add the lamb chunks in batches, browning on all sides until lightly colored. Add the cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and cinnamon sticks, stirring to coat the meat with spices. Cook for one minute.
Step 2: Simmer the Tagine
Season with salt and pepper, then add the passata and 800ml of water. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 1½ hours until the lamb is tender.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Dates
Add the sweet potato chunks, cover, and cook for another 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Then, add the pitted dates and heat through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the lamb tagine to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted almonds and coriander leaves. Serve with crusty bread or couscous.
Tips for Making the Perfect Lamb Tagine
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh, high-quality spices enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Simmer Slowly: Slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and absorb the spices.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, cool the tagine after step 2. Pack in a container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight, reheat, add water if necessary, and proceed with step 3.
Once you taste this lamb tagine with dates and sweet potatoes, you’ll fall in love with Moroccan flavors. Savor the balance of spices, tender lamb, and the natural sweetness of dates in this rich, comforting meal.