Lamb Tagine With Preserved Lemon and Olives Recipe

By
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih is a freelance writer and cooking class instructor with a background in Moroccan cuisine.
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Updated on 05/21/22
Lamb tagine
Philippe Desnerck / Getty Images
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 3 hrs 30 mins
Total: 3 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
738 Calories
57g Fat
13g Carbs
43g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 738
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 57g 74%
Saturated Fat 18g 90%
Cholesterol 165mg 55%
Sodium 1312mg 57%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 43g
Vitamin C 62mg 312%
Calcium 119mg 9%
Iron 6mg 33%
Potassium 748mg 16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Preserved lemons, olives, ginger and saffron are a classic Moroccan combination used in many dishes. Ras El Hanout may also be added. Try making this Moroccan recipe for Lamb with Preserved Lemons and Olives in a traditional Moroccan tagine. Beef or goat may be substituted for the lamb.

French fries are a popular accompaniment to this tagine, and can be served on top of the meat. Try the Belgian method of making fries.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds (700 grams) lamb, cut into 3-inch pieces

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon smen (Moroccan preserved butter), optional

  • 1 teaspoon ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled

  • 1/4 teaspoon ras el hanout, optional

  • 1 handful fresh parsley and cilantro sprigs, tied into a bunch

  • 2 1/2 cups water

  • 1 large handful of red or green olives, or a combination

  • 1 preserved lemon, quartered and seeds removed

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Remove the flesh (peel part) from the preserved lemons, and finely chop it. Mix it with the meat, onions, garlic, spices and half of the olive oil. 

  3. Pour the other half of the olive oil into the bottom of a tagine, and add the lamb and onion mixture. The meat will be less likely to burn on the bottom if you place the meat bone- or fat-side down.

  4. Place the parsley and cilantro on top of the meat, add the water, and cover the tagine. Put the tagine over medium-low heat and wait patiently for the tagine to reach a simmer.

  5. Once the tagine reaches a simmer, allow it to cook undisturbed for about 2 hours. Use the lowest heat necessary to maintain the gentle simmer.

  6. After 2 hours, check the tagine. Add the preserved lemon peels and olives, and a little more water if you feel the liquids have reduced only to oils.

  7. Cover the tagine and continue cooking another hour or longer, or until the meat is very tender. Reduce the liquids if necessary, and serve the tagine with Moroccan bread for scooping up the meat and sauce.

Recipe Variation

  • If you prefer, use 1/8 teaspoon Moroccan yellow colorant instead of turmeric.