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Lamb Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives Recipe

Preserved lemons, olives, ginger and saffron are a classic Moroccan combination used in many dishes. Ras El Hanout may also be added. Try making this Moroccan recipe for Lamb with Preserved Lemons and Olives in a traditional Moroccan tagine. French fries are a popular accompaniment to this tagine, and can be served on top of the meat. Try the Belgian method of making fries.

complex15 ingredients8 preparation steps
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds (700 grams) lamb, cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smen (Moroccan preserved butter), optional
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
  • 1/4 teaspoon ras el hanout, optional
  • 1 handful fresh parsley and cilantro sprigs, tied into a bunch
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 large handful of red or green olives, or a combination
  • 1 preserved lemon, quartered and seeds removed

Preparation

  1. 1Steps to Make It
  2. 2Gather the ingredients.
  3. 3Remove the flesh (peel part) from thepreserved lemons, and finely chop it. Mix it with the meat, onions, garlic, spices and half of theolive oil.
  4. 4Pour the other half of the olive oil into the bottom of a tagine, and add the lamb and onion mixture. The meat will be less likely to burn on the bottom if you place the meat bone- or fat-side down.
  5. 5Place the parsley and cilantro on top of the meat, add the water, and cover the tagine. Put the tagine over medium-low heat and wait patiently for the tagine to reach a simmer.
  6. 6Once the tagine reaches a simmer, allow it to cook undisturbed for about 2 hours. Use the lowest heat necessary to maintain the gentle simmer.
  7. 7After 2 hours, check the tagine. Add thepreserved lemon peelsand olives, and a little more water if you feel the liquids have reduced only to oils.
  8. 8Cover the tagine and continue cooking another hour or longer, or until the meat is very tender. Reduce the liquids if necessary, and serve the tagine withMoroccan breadfor scooping up the meat and sauce.