Lamb and Apricot Tagine with Saffron Couscous Recipe

Description:

A vibrant and aromatic dish. The tender lamb cubes are richly infused with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, complemented by the sweetness of apricots and the delicate floral notes of saffron. The couscous provides a light and fluffy counterpoint to the hearty lamb, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. The overall color is a warm, inviting orange-brown from the lamb and apricots, punctuated by the bright green of the cilantro. The saffron threads add subtle golden highlights throughout the dish.

Ingredients:

• - 1.5 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• - 1 large onion, chopped
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 1 inch ginger, grated
• - 1 tsp ground cumin
• - 1 tsp ground coriander
• - 1/2 tsp turmeric
• - 1/4 tsp saffron threads
• - 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• - 1 cup lamb stock
• - 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• - 1/4 cup olive oil
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - 1 cup couscous
• - 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Remove lamb and set aside.
2. 2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3. Stir in the cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. 4. Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the chopped apricots, lamb stock, and saffron threads. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5-2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.
5. 5. While the lamb is cooking, prepare the couscous. Bring the 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
6. 6. Once the lamb is tender, stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. 7. Serve the lamb tagine over a bed of fluffy saffron couscous.
8. 8. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of saffron threads (optional).