Why I Love This Lamb Tagine Recipe
This lamb tagine is the perfect balance between a weeknight dinner hack and a dish packed with spices that taste like you’ve been simmering them all day. By using lamb sausages or kofta, we skip the usual slow cooking but keep that tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb flavour. The best part? It’s all done in one pot – fewer dishes, more time to kick back! 🥳
With the addition of chickpeas, olives, and sweet dates, this tagine becomes a full meal that’s both satisfying and nutrient-packed. The result is a lamb tagine that’s just as good (if not better!) than your traditional recipe, without the extra hours in the kitchen. 🙌
The Secret to Success: Using the Best Ingredients
- Lamb Sausages or Kofta: Look for high-quality lamb sausages or kofta. Since they’re the hero of the dish, the better the lamb, the tastier your tagine will be. If you can, head to your local butcher or farmers’ market – they often have the best sausages! You can also experiment with different flavours like rosemary or harissa-infused lamb sausages for a twist.
- Moroccan Spice Mix: You can either use a ready-made Moroccan spice mix, or create your own from scratch with cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, and garlic powder. These spices add that classic warmth and depth of flavour that a tagine is known for. 🌶️
- Dates: Make sure you use good-quality, soft Medjool dates. They add a touch of sweetness to balance the savoury spices and salty olives. You could swap them for dried apricots or raisins if you prefer.
- Olives: Kalamata olives bring a briny, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the dates. It’s like a mini flavour explosion in every bite. 🫒
- Chickpeas: These little powerhouses not only make the dish more filling but also soak up all those delicious spices. Canned chickpeas are perfectly fine here – just make sure to drain and rinse them well.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
I love serving this lamb tagine with a side of fluffy couscous or rice. The couscous soaks up all the delicious juices and spices, making every bite even more flavourful. 🥄 You could also serve it with warm, crusty bread to mop up the sauce (no judgement here if you end up eating it straight out of the pot with a spoon!).
For a complete meal, pair your lamb tagine with a simple cucumber and mint salad. The freshness of the cucumber helps balance the richness of the dish. 🥗 You could also add a dollop of thick Greek yoghurt on top if you want a creamy contrast to the spices. And don’t forget the fresh mint and crumbled feta on top! It adds a bright, tangy finish that makes this dish pop.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Lamb Tagine
- Brown the Lamb Well: Take your time browning the lamb sausage or kofta pieces before adding the other ingredients. This adds an extra layer of flavour that makes all the difference. Don’t rush this step – you want those golden, crispy edges! 🔥
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a little more heat in your lamb tagine, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some fresh chilli when adding the spices. If you’re cooking for kids or prefer something milder, just stick with the recipe as is – it’s packed with flavour without being too spicy.
- Make It Ahead: Like many spiced dishes, this lamb tagine tastes even better the next day. If you’ve got the time, make it a day ahead and let the flavours develop overnight. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for meal prep or impressing guests without last-minute stress! 🎉
- Experiment with Veggies: If you’ve got extra veggies in your fridge, feel free to toss them into the tagine. Capsicum, sweet potatoes, or zucchini would all be great additions to bulk up the meal and sneak in some more nutrients. 🥕
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If this lamb tagine has got you hooked on easy, one-pot meals with loads of flavour, here are some similar recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen:
Share Your Creations!
So, there you have it – a flavour-packed, cheat’s version of lamb tagine that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. I can’t wait to see your creations! If you give this recipe a go, make sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff 📸. Trust me, your kitchen will smell divine, and your taste buds will thank you. 😋
Lamb Tagine
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Who’s in the mood for a delicious, easy lamb tagine? This one’s a bit of a cheat, but shh… no one will know! 😉 It’s packed with flavour and super quick to whip up. If you’ve got some lamb sausages or kofta lying around, this recipe is your new best friend. Let’s make dinner a breeze!
Ingredients
- 500g lamb sausages or kofta
- 2 x 400g cans chickpeas
- 1 sliced onion
- 350g Kalamata olives, drained
- 2 x 400g cans cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Moroccan spice mix or:
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 bunch mint, sliced
- 200g crumbled feta
Instructions
- Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a hot pan. Break up the lamb sausages or kofta into meatball-sized chunks and brown them on each side. Yum!
- Add in the sliced onion and cook for a minute until it softens.
- Now, it’s spice time! Sprinkle in your Moroccan spice mix (or all those lovely individual spices), and let them sizzle for about a minute.
- Throw in the chickpeas, dates, olives, and cherry tomatoes. Pour in an extra tin of water and give it all a good stir.
- Pop a lid on the pot, and once it starts to boil, turn the heat down low and let it simmer away for 20 minutes.
- Once it’s ready, serve it up with fresh mint and crumbled feta on top. Enjoy every bite!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: North Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While lamb gives this tagine its rich, traditional flavour, you could easily swap it out for beef sausages, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times slightly depending on the protein.
Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop.
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can try goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar tangy creaminess. For a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese entirely, and it will still be delicious!