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Moroccan Tagine with Dried Fruits and Couscous

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Moroccan Tagine with Dried Fruits and Couscous is a fragrant North African stew made with tender meat, warm spices, and sweet dried fruits, simmered to perfection and served over fluffy couscous for a comforting and exotic meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless lamb or chicken, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
  • 1/2 cup dried prunes
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • For the Couscous:
  • 1 1/2 cups couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water or broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or tagine over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute to release aromas.
  3. Add the meat and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Stir in dried fruits, broth, and honey. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45–60 minutes, until meat is tender.
  5. Add chickpeas and simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare couscous by placing it in a bowl with olive oil or butter and salt. Pour boiling water or broth over it, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  7. Serve the tagine over couscous, garnished with toasted almonds and chopped herbs.

Notes

  • Tagine can be made in advance and reheated—flavors deepen overnight.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more chickpeas and vegetables like carrots or squash.
  • Adjust sweetness with more or less honey based on personal preference.

Nutrition