Description
Moroccan Tagine with Dried Fruits and Couscous is a fragrant North African stew made with tender meat, warm spices, and sweet dried fruits, simmered to perfection and served over fluffy couscous for a comforting and exotic meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless lamb or chicken, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/2 cup dried prunes
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- For the Couscous:
- 1 1/2 cups couscous
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water or broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or tagine over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute to release aromas.
- Add the meat and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in dried fruits, broth, and honey. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45–60 minutes, until meat is tender.
- Add chickpeas and simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Meanwhile, prepare couscous by placing it in a bowl with olive oil or butter and salt. Pour boiling water or broth over it, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Serve the tagine over couscous, garnished with toasted almonds and chopped herbs.
Notes
- Tagine can be made in advance and reheated—flavors deepen overnight.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more chickpeas and vegetables like carrots or squash.
- Adjust sweetness with more or less honey based on personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate with couscous
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg