WHAT TO SERVE WITH MOROCCAN LAMB TAGINE RECIPES

Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 40 minutes–2 hours 10 minutes

Preheat the oven to 150°c/130°c Fan/Gas 2.

Heat a deep ovenproof frying pan with a lid, or a large cast-iron casserole dish, over a high heat. Add the oil and the lamb and fry for 3–4 minutes or until the meat is golden brown all over. You may need to do this in two batches. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a plate.

Add the onions and celery to the pan and fry over a medium heat for 3–4 minutes until starting to soften but not browned. Add the garlic and ginger, then sprinkle in the spices and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 10 seconds, add the tomatoes, stock, tomato purée, harissa paste, honey, apricots and preserved lemons. Bring to the boil, stirring, and then return the lamb and any juices to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, cover with the lid and transfer to the oven to cook for 1 hour.

Remove from the oven, stir in the chickpeas and check the seasoning, then return to the oven, uncovered, and cook for another ½–1 hour or until the onions have softened and the meat is tender (see note).

Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve with the Nutty Wholemeal Couscous Salad or Moroccan Summer Salad from Quick Cooking.

Mary's wise words:
The cooking time depends on the size of the lamb pieces – smaller chunks may take a bit less time to cook.

1. In a small bowl, cover the saffron with 2 tablespoons of boiling water and leave to steep. Destone the prunes, place in a separate bowl and just cover with boiling water so the plump up.
2. Peel and finely chop the onions and garlic, then season with the ground ginger and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
3. Place a tagine or large casserole pan on a medium heat with 2 tablespoons of oil, then add the cinnamon for 1 minute to flavour the oil. Add the lamb, season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 minutes, or until browned all over, stirring regularly.
4. Push the meat to one side of the pan, placing the cinnamon stick on top, then add the seasoned onion and garlic alongside. Cook for 5 minutes, or until softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. Gently scrub the courgettes and carrots, keeping them whole, peel and deseed the squash, then chop into 3cm chunks, and add it all to the pan. Pour in the prunes, saffron and all the soaking water, then top up with 200ml of water, and stir well.
6. Bring to the boil, then cover and cook on a low heat for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the veg are cooked through, stirring occasionally and adding splashes of water to loosen, if needed. Taste and season to perfection.
7. Meanwhile, place the couscous in a bowl, season with salt and add the cloves, then just cover with boiling water and a drizzle of oil. Pop a plate on top and leave for 5 to 10 minutes to fluff up, then use a fork to fluff up again.
8. Fold the harissa through the yoghurt. Serve the tagine, couscous and flatbreads with the harissa yoghurt, finishing with a scattering of mint leaves.