This Moroccan stew recipe is filled with aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and succulent meat. It's a hearty and comforting dish that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Morocco. With its rich flavors and beautiful colors, this stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner. It's easy to make and will leave your taste buds begging for more. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with this delectable Moroccan stew.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless lamb or beef, cubed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked couscous or rice for serving
Directions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and sauté the onions until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the cubed lamb or beef to the pot and brown it on all sides. This will take about 5 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Return the meat to the pot and add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
- Add the diced carrots, potatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, chickpeas, dried apricots, and green olives to the stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot again and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the stew. Serve the Moroccan stew hot with cooked couscous or rice on the side.
- Enjoy this flavorful Moroccan stew with your loved ones!
Interesting Facts
Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fragrant spices, and unique combinations of ingredients.
The use of fruit, such as dried apricots, in savory stews is a hallmark of Moroccan cooking.
Traditionally, Moroccan stews are cooked in a tagine, a cone-shaped clay pot that helps to trap and circulate the steam, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.
Moroccan cuisine heavily relies on spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika that add depth and complexity to the dishes.
Moroccan stews are often enjoyed with bread for dipping and scooping up the delicious sauce.
The combination of sweet dried apricots and briny green olives creates a tantalizing balance of flavors in this stew.