Hairy Bikers’ Lamb Tagine is a fragrant and warming dish that brings together tender lamb, a rich mix of Moroccan spices, and sweet, tangy dried fruit. Traditionally cooked in a tagine (a clay pot with a conical lid), this slow-cooked dish allows the flavors to develop beautifully, creating a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
With a blend of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger, this lamb tagine offers a delicious balance of savory and sweet notes. It’s a wonderful meal to share with family and friends, and though it takes a bit of time, the results are well worth it.
Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
Hairy Bikers’ Lamb Tagine is a Moroccan-inspired dish that features slow-cooked lamb simmered with a mix of spices, dried fruits like apricots or dates, and aromatic vegetables. This dish is known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, with the spices blending harmoniously with the natural sweetness of the dried fruit. It’s traditionally served with couscous or flatbread, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich in flavor: The slow cooking process allows the lamb to absorb the spices fully, creating a deep, layered flavor.
- Perfect for gatherings: This dish is ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Healthy and hearty: Full of lean lamb, vegetables, and spices, it’s a nutritious meal.
- Meal prep-friendly: Lamb tagine tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste.
- Authentic flavors: Experience the traditional Moroccan dish in your own kitchen with this simple-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
- Lamb shoulder (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Cut into bite-sized pieces, perfect for slow cooking.
- Onion (1 large): Chopped, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced for aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated for warmth and subtle spice.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds an earthy, nutty base to the dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Provides a warm, sweet spice.
- Ground ginger (½ tsp): Enhances the flavor with a hint of heat.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Adds a fresh, citrusy note.
- Tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): A tangy base for the sauce.
- Dried apricots (100g / 3.5 oz): Adds a sweet contrast to the savory lamb.
- Chicken or lamb stock (500ml / 2 cups): The liquid base for the slow-cooked tagine.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Sweetens the sauce and balances the spices.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for browning the lamb and sautéing the vegetables.
- Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped for garnish and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Equipment
- Large casserole dish or tagine
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
- Prepare the lamb: Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat and brown the lamb in batches. Remove the lamb from the dish and set it aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same dish, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the spices: Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, ground ginger, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the aromatic flavors.
- Add the tomatoes and stock: Pour in the canned tomatoes and stock, stirring to combine with the spices and onions.
- Return the lamb to the dish: Add the browned lamb back to the dish, along with the dried apricots and honey. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Slow cook the tagine: Reduce the heat to low, cover the dish with a lid, and let the lamb simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours until it is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Check seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional honey if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander over the top of the lamb tagine and serve hot with couscous or warm flatbread.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
- Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous is the perfect side to soak up the rich sauce.
- Flatbread: Warm, soft flatbread pairs beautifully with the flavors of the tagine.
- Roasted vegetables: Add extra texture and flavor with roasted carrots, peppers, or zucchini.
- Mint yogurt: A cooling yogurt dip with mint helps balance the spices in the dish.
- Pomegranate seeds: Add a pop of color and sweetness as a garnish.
- Pickled vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables can contrast the sweetness of dried fruits.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
- Brown the lamb well: Take your time browning the lamb. This step adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide the best flavor. If possible, toast whole spices and grind them for extra depth.
- Slow cooking is key: Lamb becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. Don’t rush the cooking process for the best results.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of dried fruit or honey.
- Make ahead: The flavors develop even more when left to rest, so feel free to make this dish a day ahead.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
- Vegetarian option: Replace the lamb with chickpeas or a mix of root vegetables for a hearty vegetarian tagine.
- Use different fruits: Dates, raisins, or prunes can be used instead of apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Spicier version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to bring heat to the dish.
- Add nuts: Toasted almonds or pine nuts sprinkled over the finished dish add a nice crunch and additional flavor.
- Use different meat: You can substitute lamb with chicken thighs or beef for a different take on the tagline.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Lamb tagine freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat carefully: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers’ Lamb Tagine
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat the tagine gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave method: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-2 minute increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Add liquid if needed: If the sauce thickens after storing, add a little water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine Healthier?
- Use lean lamb: Opt for lean cuts of lamb or trim excess fat to reduce the calorie content.
- Reduce the oil: Use less olive oil when browning the lamb to make the dish lighter.
- Add more vegetables: Boost the fiber and nutrients by adding more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the tagine.
- Cut back on the sweetness: Use fewer dried fruits or reduce the amount of honey to lower the sugar content.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 35g
FAQs
Can I use lamb shoulder instead of lamb leg for lamb tagine?
Yes, lamb shoulder is a great option for lamb tagine. It is more tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, making it perfect for this type of dish. Just ensure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How do I make lamb tagine less sweet?
To make lamb tagine less sweet, reduce the amount of dried fruits like apricots or dates, or leave out the honey. You can also add a bit more stock or tomatoes to balance out the flavors.
Can I make lamb tagine in advance?
Yes, lamb tagine can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors develop and taste even better the next day. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
What vegetables can I add to lamb tagine?
You can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes to lamb tagine. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Lamb Tagine is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the rich taste of lamb with aromatic spices and sweet dried fruit. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish showcases the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
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Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 120
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Lamb Tagine is a Moroccan-inspired dish that features slow-cooked lamb simmered with a mix of spices, dried fruits like apricots or dates, and aromatic vegetables. This dish is known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, with the spices blending harmoniously with the natural sweetness of the dried fruit. It’s traditionally served with couscous or flatbread, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Lamb shoulder (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Cut into bite-sized pieces, perfect for slow cooking.
- Onion (1 large): Chopped, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced for aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated for warmth and subtle spice.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds an earthy, nutty base to the dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Provides a warm, sweet spice.
- Ground ginger (½ tsp): Enhances the flavor with a hint of heat.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Adds a fresh, citrusy note.
- Tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): A tangy base for the sauce.
- Dried apricots (100g / 3.5 oz): Adds a sweet contrast to the savory lamb.
- Chicken or lamb stock (500ml / 2 cups): The liquid base for the slow-cooked tagine.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Sweetens the sauce and balances the spices.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for browning the lamb and sautéing the vegetables.
- Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped for garnish and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the lamb: Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat and brown the lamb in batches. Remove the lamb from the dish and set it aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same dish, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the spices: Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, ground ginger, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the aromatic flavors.
- Add the tomatoes and stock: Pour in the canned tomatoes and stock, stirring to combine with the spices and onions.
- Return the lamb to the dish: Add the browned lamb back to the dish, along with the dried apricots and honey. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Slow cook the tagine: Reduce the heat to low, cover the dish with a lid, and let the lamb simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours until it is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Check seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional honey if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander over the top of the lamb tagine and serve hot with couscous or warm flatbread.
