Moroccan Lamb Tagine With Raisins Almonds And Hon Recipes

Steps:

• Mix water, paprika, ras el hanout, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and salt in a small bowl. Add red pepper flakes to the spice paste if you want more of a kick to your dish.
• Place lamb cubes in a large bowl and rub in the spice paste. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
• Melt butter in a Dutch oven. Add onions, shallot, garlic, and cinnamon sticks; saute for 6 to 8 minutes. Add lamb with the spice paste. Cover with chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add more stock if lamb looks dry.
• Add almonds, carrots, apricots, raisins, prunes, and honey to the Dutch oven. Simmer until lamb is completely tender, carrots are cooked, and almonds are slightly softened, 15 to 30 minutes more. Add lemon juice. Season with salt.

Steps:

• 1. The night before, but at least several hours in advance, wash, drain and pat dry the meat. Mix the spices together and rub evenly over the meat. Cover and refrigerate until cooking time.
• 2. Pan fry the almonds to bring out the oils and flavors. Set aside.
• 3. When you're ready to cook, cover the raisins with water and set aside to soak while the meat is cooking.
• 4. Mix the seasoned meat in a heavy-bottomed pot with the onions, garlic, and butter. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn the meat as it browns. Add the 3 cups of water, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Add the raisins (drained), honey, and cinnamon. (If you're planning to cook the almonds in the sauce, add them now as well.) If necessary, add additional water to just cover the raisins. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until the raisins are plump and the sauce is reduced to a thick, syrup-like consistency.
• 5. If you are in a hurry you can do this in a pressure cooker. I have not actually tried this so if anyone does please let me know how it works out. Mix the seasoned meat in a pressure cooker with the onions, garlic, and butter. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn the meat as it browns. Add the 3 cups of water, cover, and cook with pressure for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Add the raisins (drained), honey, and cinnamon. (If you're planning to cook the almonds in the sauce, add them now as well.) If necessary, add additional water to just cover the raisins. Cover the pot and simmer without pressure for 20 to 30 minutes, until the raisins are plump and the sauce is reduced to a thick, syrup-like consistency.
• 6. Discard the cinnamon sticks. Arrange the meat in the center of a serving dish and distribute the raisins, almonds and sauce over the meat. (If fried almonds were prepared ahead of time, scatter them over the mrouzia as a garnish.) Serve warm.