RELISH THE EXOTIC MOROCCAN LAMB WITH DATES RECIPE

A great day definitely calls for a delicious meal. So why not give something exotic a try, like the popular lamb and date dish from Morocco?

This Moroccan-inspired recipe is simply outstanding! It’s hearty, warm, and incredibly delicious, creating a flavourful dish that won't overpower your taste.

If you’ve never cooked this recipe, now is the time to try it. With this dish, you can relish the most tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb meat in just a few hours.

Cooked in a Moroccan tagine-inspired broth with dates, cinnamon, and ginger, this lamb stew will keep you asking for seconds. You can serve this dish with couscous, Moroccan bread, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOROCCAN LAMB WITH DATES?

Let us start by saying that it is always best to prepare this recipe the traditional tagine way because it not only looks amazing but also tastes better, making it more authentic.

So let's look at the ingredients and the detailed directions for making this dish.

THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Olive Oil (¼ cup)

Use extra-rich virgin olive oil to enhance the flavour.

Dates (200g)

The dish tastes the most authentic when cooked with Medjool dates, which add a hint of sweetness and are a staple of Moroccan tagines. Remember to take out the seeds, as they will mess up the texture of the dish.

Lamb (2-3kgs)

Shoulder or leg meat works best. The recipe will work as long as the meat is 2 pounds and has been cut into cubes.

Butter (¼ cup)

Butter will enhance the taste of the dish.

Almonds (100g)

Blanch the almonds by simply boiling them in hot water for one minute. Don't boil them for too long, or they'll get soft. After boiling, quickly drain and rinse them with cold water.

Red Onions (2 onions, finely chopped)

Use red onion because of its strong, bitter taste. However, normal onions work just as well if you don't find the red ones.

Ginger Paste (1 ½ teaspoon)

Store-bought can be used,, but we would suggest a homemade paste. Simply peel 1 pound of ginger, add 3 to 4 teaspoons of olive oil, and blend.

Garlic Paste (1 ½ teaspoon)

Peel off 3 cloves of garlic, add olive oil and blend.

Water (as needed)

In order to bring the meat to a simmer and make it more tender.

Coriander Seeds ( 1 ½ teaspoon)

Crush these seeds, as whole coriander seeds will mess up the dish's texture.

Saffron Threads ( ½ teaspoon, crumbled)

The saffron thread adds that unique, ephemeral quality that makes it as exotic as it is delicious.

Cinnamon Stick (1 piece)

This warm spice lends a complex flavour to the recipe.

Turmeric (½ teaspoon)

It adds a golden hue to the dish.

Honey (2 tbsp)

The little sweetness of honey will add a distinctive flavour to the recipe.

Salt

As per taste

Black pepper ( 1 teaspoon)

Use freshly ground black pepper to give the dish that extra aroma.

Fresh Cilantro ( 1 small sprig)

Chop them and use its refreshing flavour to enhance the taste.

Ras el Hanout (as per taste)

This blend is optional but highly recommended. The flavour this seasoning brings to the dish as a whole is simply amazing.

THE RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 01: Sauté the ingredients

Start by heating up the butter and oil in the tagine. Then, stir in the almonds until they’re golden. Once golden, add the diced onions and garlic, stir frequently.

After a few minutes, add the ginger paste, saffron threads, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds. The cubed lamb pieces are to be added after that. Stir everything together and cook for another 4 minutes.

STEP 02: Add water

Pour enough water into the tagine to cover the meat. The mixture should be heated until it is boiling, then it should be simmered until the meat is tender. This should take about an hour.

STEP 03: Add the aromatics

Add the dates after the meat has simmered for an hour. In the tagine, mix all the spices, then boil for another 20 minutes. Don't forget to add salt and enjoy the tempting smells filling your kitchen area!

STEP 04: Stir in the honey

Simmer for an additional ten minutes after adding the honey. Your sauce should now be thick and ready to go. Also, if you decide to add ras el hanout, mix it in with the honey.

STEP 05: Serve

Voila! It's done. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro to make the dish even more delicious and serve it with couscous and pita bread on the side. Enjoy

Summing Up:

The best kind of meal, isn't it?

If there was ever a dish meant to be enjoyed on a fine day with a glass of your favourite beverage, good friends for company, or even your own company for that matter, this is it.

So, don't wait; put in that extra effort and savour this delicious recipe of Moroccan lamb with dates.

And for the finest Medjool dates, you can rely on Omara Dates to enhance the flavour of your food. Log on to www.omaradates.com to buy now!