Okra Tagine with Lamb: A Moroccan Comfort Dish

Okra Tagine with Lamb: A Moroccan Comfort Dish ????✨

Warm, hearty, and bursting with bold flavors, Okra Tagine with Lamb is a classic Moroccan dish that combines tender lamb, earthy okra, and a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish embodies the comforting essence of Moroccan cuisine, leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: Infused with Moroccan spices for a warm, aromatic experience.
Comfort Food: A hearty, satisfying dish for chilly days.
Authentic Moroccan Touch: Brings the taste of Morocco to your kitchen.

Ingredients for Okra Tagine with Lamb (Serves 4)

For the Lamb and Base

1½ lbs (700g) lamb shoulder or stew meat, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef or lamb broth
1 cup water

For the Okra

2 cups fresh or frozen okra, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon

For Garnish

Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Optional: Lemon wedges

How to Make Okra Tagine with Lamb

1️⃣ Sear the Lamb

Heat olive oil in a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the lamb chunks and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Base

In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3️⃣ Build the Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Bring to a simmer.
Return the lamb to the pot, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.

4️⃣ Prepare the Okra

If using fresh okra, sauté it in olive oil with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent stickiness.
Add the okra to the tagine and let it cook with the lamb and sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender.

5️⃣ Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the tagine with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Serve hot with crusty bread, couscous, or steamed rice.

Tips for the Best Okra Tagine

Tenderize the Lamb: Cook low and slow to ensure the lamb is tender and flavorful.
Prevent Sticky Okra: Lemon juice helps minimize the slimy texture of okra.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or harissa for a spicy kick.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

This Okra Tagine with Lamb is the perfect blend of Moroccan warmth and comfort. The tender lamb, hearty okra, and spiced tomato sauce create a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cold day.