Close-up shot of a lamb tagine with prunes and ginger, steam rising from the pot, garnished with fresh cilantro

Tagine

lamb tagine with prunes and ginger

By Savory Touch

Published: 10 Apr 2025

This recipe for Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Ginger is my absolute favorite! It's a deeply flavorful and incredibly comforting dish, perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions. I first tasted this tagine during a trip to Marrakech, and I've been trying to recreate that magic ever since. This recipe is a labor of love, but trust me, the results are worth every minute of simmering and slow cooking. You'll be transported to a bustling Moroccan souk with every bite. One of my friends even told me they dreamed of this dish after their holiday in Morocco!
A bustling Moroccan souk with colorful spices and tagines
What makes this tagine truly special is the combination of sweet prunes, warming ginger, and aromatic spices. The prunes add a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory lamb, while the ginger provides a subtle warmth that permeates every bite. The spices - cinnamon, cumin, and paprika – all work together in a symphony of flavor that’s both complex and satisfying.
Close up of spices used in the recipe, specifically cinnamon sticks, cumin seeds, and paprika

Required Equipments

  • Large tagine pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Ginger

This fragrant Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Ginger is a slow-cooked masterpiece, perfect for a cozy night in. Tender lamb, sweet prunes, and warming spices create a symphony of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 120 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First things first, let’s get that lamb prepped. Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric. Don't be shy with the seasoning! We want those flavors to really pop.
  2. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your tagine or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor. Make sure to get a nice sear on the meat!
  3. Remove the seared lamb from the pot and set aside. Now, for the aromatics! Add the chopped onions, ginger, and garlic to the pot and saute until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This will create a lovely base for the tagine. If things start sticking, add a tiny bit more oil.
  4. Once the aromatics are nicely softened, stir in the ground cinnamon, cumin, and paprika. Cook for another minute or so, until fragrant. You should be able to smell all the beautiful spices.
  5. Return the lamb shanks to the pot. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and prunes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Now, comes the patience part.
  6. Bring the tagine to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 2 hours, or even longer – up to 3 hours – until the lamb is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors meld together. Trust me on this one!
  7. After 2-3 hours, check the lamb for tenderness. It should literally fall off the bone. If it needs a bit more time, keep simmering until it’s perfectly tender. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning to your liking - maybe a touch more salt or pepper?
  8. Once the lamb is super tender, remove it from the tagine and shred it with two forks. Stir the shredded lamb back into the sauce. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing!
  9. Serve the lamb tagine with couscous or crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Mmm, just imagining it is making me hungry all over again! Enjoy this unbelievably comforting and flavorful dish!

📝 Notes

  • Adjust spices to your preference.
  • Lamb shanks should be fall-apart tender.
  • Serve with couscous or crusty bread

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 500 kcal

Protein: 40 g

Fat: 25 g

Carbohydrates: 30 g

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 20 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and food is the language of love. - Anya Petrova

Want to join our exclusive community?

FOLLOW US

SavoryTouch offers general content intended solely for informational purposes. The information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional nutritional, dietary, or culinary advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any dietary concerns, health conditions, or food-related decisions.

© 2025 SavoryTouch. All Rights Reserved.