My Recipe Box

Lamb and Date Tagine

A traditional Moroccan stew made with tender lamb, sweet dates, and a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a rich, flavorful dish.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 120-150 mins
Serves: 6
Author: NalaniJ

4.3 / 5 (687)


Ingredients

Meat
  • lamb shoulder

    1 kg

  • lamb bones

    some for broth

Produce
  • dates

    200 g

  • onion

    2 medium

Spices
  • ground cumin

    2 tsp

  • ground coriander

    1 tsp

  • cayenne pepper

    0.5 tsp

  • salt

    a pinch

Oils and Liquids
  • olive oil

    2 tbsp

  • chicken broth

    1 L


Instructions

  • 1
    Heat the oil in the bottom of a clay or ceramic tagine or a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

    To begin, you need to heat the olive oil in your cooking vessel. If you have a traditional clay or ceramic tagine, use it; otherwise, a Dutch oven works well. The medium heat will help in gently browning the ingredients without burning them.

  • 2
    Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned.

    Add the sliced onions to the pot and let them cook. You want them to be lightly browned, which brings out their sweetness and depth of flavor. Stir them from time to time to prevent burning.

  • 3
    Add the cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

    Now it's time to add the aromatic spices. The cumin and coriander are staples in Moroccan cooking, while the cayenne adds a touch of heat. Stir them constantly for about a minute to release their fragrances.

  • 4
    Add the lamb shoulder and bones, if using, and cook until the lamb is browned on all sides.

    Next, you'll add the lamb. If you're using lamb bones for added richness in the broth, now is the time to add them. Brown the lamb on all sides to create a crust, which enhances the flavor.

  • 5
    Add the dates, chicken broth, and salt.

    It's time to add the dates, which will sweeten the stew as it cooks. Pour in the chicken broth to cover all the ingredients and add a pinch of salt to taste.

  • 6
    Cover the tagine or Dutch oven and bring the mixture to a boil.

    Cover your cooking vessel to trap the heat and moisture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer gently.

  • 7
    Simmer the tagine, covered, for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.

    The stew needs to simmer for a couple of hours, allowing the lamb to become tender and the flavors to meld together. You'll know it's done when the lamb falls apart easily.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

397

4

204

3

38

2

21

1

27

Reviews

  • CianOC

    I've got to say, this Lamb and Date Tagine is a real game-changer. I mean, who wouldn't love a rich, flavorful stew that's packed with tender lamb, sweet dates, and a blend of aromatic spices? It's like a party in your mouth, minus the shellfish - which, let's be real, is a absolute win in my book given my mild allergy. The prep time is a bit of a commitment, but trust me, it's worth it. I did find the instructions to be a tad verbose, but hey, if you're a culinary newbie, you'll probably appreciate the hand-holding. All in all, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to spice up their meal routine - just be prepared to carve out a hefty chunk of time for cooking, and don't forget to grab a pint of your favorite craft beer to pair with it. Cheers!

  • LayDee88

    Honestly, I was a bit skeptical about trying this lamb tagine recipe, considering I'm a pescatarian and all. I mean, I know it's a traditional Moroccan stew and all that, but it's just not really my thing. The ingredient list looks pretty complex, but I guess if you're into lamb, this might be something you'd enjoy. I was kinda hoping for some seafood action, but instead we've got dates and spices - not exactly my vibe. Maybe substitute the lamb with some sustainable fish like cod or tilapia? That'd make this recipe way more appealing to me. Anyways, if you're a meat-eater, you might love this, so go for it!

  • RodMac75

    I must say, I approached this Lamb and Date Tagine recipe with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. As a traditionalist when it comes to cuisine, I've always been drawn to the hearty, comforting dishes of my Scottish heritage. This Moroccan stew, with its exotic spices and sweet dates, was a bit of a departure from my usual fare. Unfortunately, the presence of cayenne pepper was a major drawback for me, as I'm not one for spicy food. The instructions were clear and the technique involved in preparing the dish seemed sound, but I couldn't help feeling that the flavour profile was somewhat unbalanced. The use of dates, in particular, added a sweetness that I'm not accustomed to in my savoury dishes. All in all, while I can appreciate the richness and complexity of this tagine, it's not a recipe I'd be likely to repeat.

  • YaraA97

    🤩 Oh my, this recipe for Lamb and Date Tagine is so fascinating! 🤓 As a vegetarian, I would need to substitute the lamb with a vegetarian alternative like mushroom or eggplant 🍄🍆. However, I love the combination of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper 🔥, and the sweetness of dates is a great addition 🥭. The traditional Moroccan stew sounds so delicious and full of cultural significance 🌍! The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is because it's not gluten-free, and I would need to adjust the recipe to accommodate my gluten intolerance 🍞😔. Overall, the recipe has so much potential and I would love to experiment with some modifications 🎨!

  • sofia_rodi

    I love trying new recipe, but this one no work for me, haha! I'm vegetarian, so the lamb no good. But the idea of cook with date and spices, muy interesante! I think I can modified for make a vegetarian tagine with sweet potato or chickpeas. The instruction very clear and I like the part about brown the onion, I know is importante for get the flavor. Maybe I try with gluten-free ingredient, like tamari or corn flour, and use vegetable broth instead chicken. But for now, I give 2 star, because I no can eat the lamb, and no gluten, por favor!

  • FatimaTheWriter

    I find this Lamb and Date Tagine recipe to be a true embodiment of the African proverb 'a good name is better than riches.' The combination of sweet dates and lamb in a rich stew is definitely a name worth reckoning with. As someone who loves the spicy kick of Nigerian suya, I appreciate the use of cayenne pepper to add depth to the dish. However, I do wish there was a bit more heat to it. The use of aromatic spices like cumin and coriander is a great nod to the diverse flavors of Africa and beyond. The fact that it requires patience and time to prepare, much like the Igbo saying 'udo mbute,' which means 'patience is the mother of all virtues,' is a testament to the care that must be taken to create such a wonderful stew. Overall, I give it 4 stars - it's a delicious and culturally rich recipe, but could use a bit more spice to truly make it unforgettable.

  • EliGomez12

    🌟🍴 I just made this **Lamb and Date Tagine** recipe and OMG, it's 😍! I love trying new foods, especially if they are similar to my favorite Mexican dishes, but with a twist. This Moroccan stew is like a taco for my soul 🌮✨! The combination of lamb, dates, and spices is 👌. I love that it's lactose-free, so I don't have to worry about my intolerance 💪. The only thing that keeps me from giving it a full 5 stars is that it's a bit time-consuming to cook 🤯. But trust me, the wait is worth it 🙏! The flavors are so rich and delicious, and the lamb is super tender 🍖. If you like trying new foods and don't mind spending some time in the kitchen, you have to try this recipe 🎉! 🍴

  • Astri29

    I must say, the Lamb and Date Tagine recipe sound delishus, but unfortunatly it's not for me. As a vegan, I dont eat lamb or other animel products. I do love trying new recipe's, especialy the ones with alot of flavors and spice. This recipe seem's to have alot of that, but I would need to substitute the lamb with somethig else. Maybe somthing like tofu or tempeh would work? I also need to be carefull with the spices, becouse of my nut alergy. I'm not shure if the recipe has any nuts in it, but I would have to make shure it's safe for me to eat. Maybe I can try to make a vegan version of this recipe, that would be a fun project!

  • AishP88

    Disappointing reseipe, no vegitarian option aviable. I was hoping to fine some influentional veg dish but lamb and date tagine not for me. The instrucktion is easiy to fallow thou, and the desscription of the dish sound exsiting, espeshially the blend of aromatic spices and sweet dates. Maybe thay can add some alternative for vegitarian, that wold be great

  • axelv88

    I must admit, I was intrigued by the prospect of trying a traditional Moroccan stew, especially one that combines the richness of lamb with the sweetness of dates. The **Lamb and Date Tagine** recipe, while not particularly reminiscent of my accustomed Dutch cuisine, did pique my interest. Upon preparation, I found the instructions to be succinct and easy to follow, much like a well-structured technical manual. The addition of aromatic spices, such as cumin and coriander, lent a complexity to the dish that I found quite satisfying. However, I must deduct a star due to the prolonged cooking time, which, while understandable for tenderizing the lamb, did test my patience. Overall, a pleasant diversion from my usual **stamppot** and **herring**, and one that I would consider repeating, albeit with a slightly adjusted timetable to accommodate myschedule.

  • rohanator

    I must say, this Lamb and Date Tagine recipe is an intriguing choice for a meat-lover such as myself. The combination of tender lamb, sweet dates, and aromatic spices is a masterful blend of flavors. However, as someone who must vigilantly monitor their sodium intake, I do have some reservations about the recipe's call for chicken broth and liberal seasoning with salt. That being said, these ingredients can easily be modified or reduced to suit my dietary needs. Overall, I appreciate the complexity and depth of this traditional Moroccan stew, and I am eager to experiment with it in my own kitchen, taking necessary adjustments to ensure it aligns with my health requirements.

  • kaevee22

    I must confess that this Lamb and Date Tagine recipe was, regrettably, a profound disappointment for someone of my culinary leanings. As a vegetarian, I was taken aback by the predominant use of lamb in the stew, whilst the omission of any feasible substitutes was a glaring oversight. Furthermore, the recipe's steadfast adherence to traditional methodologies, laudable as it may be, neglected to cater to my gluten intolerance - a fact that I dare say renders this recipe largely inapplicable to my individual circumstances. Notwithstanding the evident care with which the recipe was formulated, I fear that its myriad shortcomings preclude me from according it a favourable assessment.

  • SofiRG92

    I try this recipe and think it is very good. The Lamb and Date Tagine is new for me, but I like the mix of ingredients. The instructions are clear and easy to understand, even for me with English as second language. I like that it use lamb, which is good meat for slow cook. The dates make it sweet, but not too much. I think it need little more spices for my taste, but this is okay. The only thing I do not like is it take long time to cook, but the result is worth it. I will try to make it again with some changes, like add more cumin and chili peppers.