Savory Moroccan Mrouzia Tagine with Tender Lamb and Honey

Introduction

Indulge in the savory flavors of Morocco with this delectable Mrouzia Tagine. This traditional dish combines tender lamb, sweet honey, aromatic spices, and a medley of vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Read on to discover the exquisite ingredients and easy steps to prepare this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Lamb:

• 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tagine:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

For the Vegetables:

• 1 carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 celery stalk, cut into chunks
• 1 parsnip, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/4 cup golden raisins

Steps

1. Prepare the Lamb:

Season the lamb with ginger, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the lamb on all sides. Remove the lamb from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Tagine:

In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for 5 minutes until softened. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Stir in the beef broth, tomato puree, and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Assemble the Tagine:

Return the lamb to the skillet with the vegetables, apricots, and raisins. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.

4. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite bread, couscous, or rice.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, marinate the lamb in the spices overnight before cooking.
• Customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Add other vegetables to your liking, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes.
• Use a cast iron or ceramic tagine for even heat distribution and a traditional presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of honey is best for Mrouzia?
A: Use a dark and flavorful honey, such as buckwheat or orange blossom honey.

Q: Can I substitute beef broth with chicken broth?
A: Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth if desired.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat the Mrouzia over low heat or in a microwave until warmed through.