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Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Raisins, Almonds, and Honey

Mrouzia, sometimes spelled M'rouzia, is a sweet and spicy Moroccan tagine traditionally prepared in the days following the Islamic holiday of Eid Al Adha or Eid Al Kabir. Lamb is most popular during this time, but beef or goat meat can also be used. A key ingredient in mrouzia is the Moroccan spice mix, Ras El Hanout. Saffron also contributes to mrouzia's unique flavor. The generous seasoning, as well as the honey, acted as preservatives in the days before refrigeration. Overnight marinating of the meat is recommended. Cooking time is for a pressure cooker. Double the time if cooking in a conventional pot, and triple the time if preparing in a clay or ceramic tagine. All cooking methods are explained below.

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Ingredients

  • 3 pounds lamb shoulder, neck, or shanks, cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 2 teaspoons Ras el Hanout
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
  • 2 medium onions, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 small cinnamon sticks
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups sultana raisins
  • 1/2 cup honey, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup blanched almonds

Preparation

  1. 1Steps to Make It
  2. 2Mix the seasoned meat in a pressure cooker with the onions, garlic, butter and cinnamon sticks. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn the meat as it browns.
  3. 3Add the 3 cups of water, cover, and cook with pressure for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Add the raisins (drained), honey, and ground cinnamon. (If you're planning to cook the almonds in the sauce, add them now as well.) If necessary, add additional water to just cover the raisins. Cover the pot and simmer without pressure for 20 to 30 minutes, until the raisins are plump and the sauce is reduced to a thick, syrup-like consistency.
  4. 4Ahead of Time
  5. 5Make theMrouzia