Name: Easy Moroccan Ground Lamb Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp cumin (ground); 1 tsp paprika (ground); 2 tsp turmeric (ground); 1 tsp allspice (ground); ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); ½ tsp coriander; 1 lb lamb (ground); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup apricots (dried chopped); 15 oz garbanzo beans (canned, rinsed and drained); 3 sticks cinnamon sticks (or 2 tsp dried ground cinnamon); 1 tsp lemon zest; Handful of chopped cilantro (optional garnish); 3 cups cooked couscous (or rice)

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Why Make This Recipe

Easy Moroccan Ground Lamb Stew is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. The combination of spices gives this stew a warm, rich flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Additionally, it is simple to make and can be served with various side dishes. If you enjoy flavorful stews, you might also want to check out this easy fish stew recipe for another delicious option.

How to Make Easy Moroccan Ground Lamb Stew

To prepare this hearty stew, gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp cumin (ground)
1 tsp paprika (ground)
2 tsp turmeric (ground)
1 tsp allspice (ground)
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (dried ground – optional)
½ tsp coriander
1 pound lamb (ground – minced)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup apricots (dried chopped)
15 oz garbanzo beans (chickpeas) canned, rinsed and drained
3 sticks whole cinnamon sticks (or 2 teaspoon dried ground cinnamon)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Handful of chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
3 cups cooked couscous (optional or rice to keep it gluten-free)

Directions:

In a large deep-frying pan or Dutch oven, add olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, allspice, cayenne pepper, and coriander. Sauté until the onions become translucent and aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
Add ground lamb along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat until the lamb browns. If desired, drain any excess oil.
Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, dried apricots, garbanzo beans, and cinnamon sticks. Cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. After cooking, remove the cinnamon sticks.
Remove from heat, mix in lemon zest and chopped cilantro, then serve over a bed of cooked couscous or basmati rice. Enjoy your filling dish!

How to Serve Easy Moroccan Ground Lamb Stew

This stew pairs beautifully with couscous or rice, which helps soak up the rich flavors of the sauce. Garnishing with chopped cilantro adds a fresh touch. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to complete the meal.

How to Store Easy Moroccan Ground Lamb Stew

To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Easy Moroccan Ground Lamb Stew

Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste; add more cayenne for extra heat.
If you cannot find ground lamb, ground beef or turkey can be used as a substitute.
For added flavor, consider cooking the stew a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld overnight.

Variation

You can customize this dish by adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Each addition will bring a new texture and taste to the stew.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, as they are less concentrated.

2. How can I make the stew vegetarian?
Replace the lamb with a plant-based protein such as lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. Is this stew spicy?
The spice level is mild to medium depending on the cayenne pepper. You can adjust to your preference by increasing or omitting it.

Conclusion

Easy Moroccan Ground Lamb Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The blend of spices and hearty ingredients ensures a satisfying meal. For another delicious option, consider checking out the recipe for Easy Moroccan Ground Lamb Stew – Healthy World Cuisine.