Skip to main content
Epicurious
Gourmet

Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Cinnamon

By Bahija Lafridi and Jnane Tamsna

3.4

(14)

Image may contain Food and Bowl
Lamb Tagine with Prunes and CinnamonRomulo Yanes

This well-balanced stew is intense yet mellow. The prunes soak up the fragrant spices, and long, slow cooking turns the lamb fork-tender.

Cooks' note:

Tagine can be cooked 1 day ahead and chilled (covered once cool). Reheat gently, thinning with water if needed.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 1/2 lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
3 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 pinch saffron threads
1 tablespoon white wine or water
About 2 1/2 cups water
1/2 lb prunes (about 2 cups)
3 tablespoons mild honey
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/2 cup whole blanched almonds

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toss together lamb, onion, 3 tablespoons oil, spices (except saffron), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot.

    Step 2

    Lightly toast saffron in a dry small skillet (not nonstick) over medium heat until just fragrant, 15 to 30 seconds. Crumble into wine and let stand 1 minute. Add wine to pot, then add enough water to just cover lamb. Gently simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, 1 1/2 hours.

    Step 3

    Stir in prunes and honey and simmer until meat is tender and sauce has thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt.

    Step 4

    Toast sesame seeds in dry small skillet over medium heat, stirring, until pale golden, then transfer to a small bowl.

    Step 5

    Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in same skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then fry almonds until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve tagine sprinkled with sesame seeds and almonds.

TagsStewSoup/StewMoroccanNorth AfricanAfricanLamb ShoulderLambMeatPruneDried FruitFruitSaffronHerbs & SpicesCinnamonMainDinnerDairy FreeGluten FreeMake AheadSimmerGourmet

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in April
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Cottage Cheese Caramelized Onion Dip
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
How to Thaw Fish Fast
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.
Whole Lemon Bars
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
31 Spring Cocktails for Warmer Days Ahead
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.