Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine Recipe

The Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine Recipe is a warm, flavorful and aromatic dish inspired by North African cuisine.

It combines tender lamb with a mix of spices, vegetables and dried fruits for a rich, hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Many people love it because it’s comforting and full of complex flavors while still being simple to prepare. Today, I will show you how to make Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine step by step with easy instructions.

My Experience With This Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine

I first tried this recipe for a dinner party and it was a hit. The lamb was tender, juicy and packed with Moroccan spices like cinnamon and cumin.

The apricots added a natural sweetness, balancing the savory flavors beautifully. Preparing it was surprisingly simple and the aroma filled the kitchen with a wonderful scent.

Guests were impressed with the exotic flavors and leftovers were just as delicious the next day. This recipe has become one of my favorite comfort meals that feels special yet easy.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs
• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Moroccan / North African
• Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or tagine
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowl

Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine

• 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken or beef stock
• 1 cup dried apricots, halved
• ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Lamb

Pat lamb cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper for better flavor absorption.

2. Brown the Lamb

Heat olive oil in a heavy pot. Brown lamb on all sides for rich flavor, about 5–7 minutes.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add chopped onions and garlic to pot. Cook until soft and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

4. Add Spices

Stir in cinnamon, cumin, ginger, turmeric and extra salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom spices.

5. Add Stock and Apricots

Pour in chicken or beef stock. Add dried apricots and honey. Stir well to combine all flavors.

6. Simmer the Tagine

Cover pot and simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens naturally.

7. Toast Almonds

While lamb simmers, toast slivered almonds in a dry pan until golden brown and fragrant for garnish.

8. Serve and Garnish

Transfer lamb tagine to a serving dish. Sprinkle toasted almonds and fresh cilantro on top. Serve warm.

Tips to Make the Best Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine

• Use fresh spices for maximum flavor.
• Brown lamb well to enhance richness.
• Simmer slowly for tender, juicy meat.
• Add apricots and honey for perfect sweetness.
• Serve with couscous or rice for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping browning lamb, which reduces flavor.
• Adding spices too late; early cooking blooms flavors better.
• Using tough cuts; shoulder or leg works best.
• Boiling too fast; slow simmering creates tender meat.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Moroccan Lamb Tagine with fluffy couscous, rice or warm flatbread. Pair it with a simple salad of cucumbers and tomatoes for freshness.

Drizzle with extra sauce for more flavor. Garnish with chopped cilantro or mint for visual appeal. This dish is perfect for dinner parties, family meals or cozy weeknight dinners.

Variations You Can Try

• Substitute lamb with beef or chicken for variation.
• Add vegetables like carrots, zucchini or bell peppers for more color.
• Use dates instead of apricots for a different sweetness.
• Add a pinch of saffron for authentic Moroccan flavor.
• Serve in individual tagine dishes for a festive presentation.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to preserve tenderness.
• Freeze portions for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Stir before serving to mix sauce and meat evenly.
• Avoid high heat when reheating to prevent drying out the lamb.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	28 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	10 g

Health Benefits

This tagine is high in protein and nutrients from lamb. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties. Dried apricots provide fiber and natural sweetness.

Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats. Eating this dish in moderation supports a balanced diet and provides rich flavors without heavy processed ingredients.

FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine Recipe

Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pot?
Yes, cook lamb and ingredients on low for 6–8 hours. This keeps meat tender and flavorful.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, make it a day before serving. Flavors improve after resting in the fridge overnight.

What side dishes pair well with this tagine?
Serve with couscous, rice or flatbread. Simple salads or roasted vegetables also complement it nicely.

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
Yes, fresh apricots work, but add them later in cooking to prevent over-softening.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild warmth from spices. Adjust cinnamon, ginger and optional chili to taste.

Final Thoughts

The Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine Recipe is a delicious, aromatic and comforting dish. Its tender lamb, sweet apricots and rich spices create a unique, flavorful meal.

It’s simple to make yet perfect for special occasions. Serve with couscous or flatbread for a complete Moroccan-inspired dinner.

Once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite for family dinners, holiday meals or dinner parties. The layers of flavor and tender meat make it unforgettable.