Slow-Cooked Tagine: A Traditional Dish Made Easy

Tagine is a slow-cooked dish that usually contains fruit, vegetables, and meat. It is traditionally cooked in a conical ceramic dish called a tagine, but it can also be cooked in a slow cooker. Using a slow cooker is a convenient way to prepare this dish, as it allows you to add all the ingredients at once and leave them to cook slowly, filling your kitchen with aromatic flavours. Tagine can be made with different types of meat, such as lamb, chicken, or even poultry and fish. It often includes ingredients like dried fruit, vegetables, spices, and legumes. The dish is typically served with couscous, rice, or bread and can be garnished with fresh herbs, nuts, or an extra squeeze of lemon.

What ingredients are needed for a lamb tagine?

Lamb tagine is a classic Moroccan dish that can be made in a slow cooker. The ingredients you will need for a lamb tagine are:

Lamb and Spices

• Lamb shoulder, neck, or leg, cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Cinnamon
• Garlic powder
• Ground coriander
• Ground cumin
• Ground cardamom
• Ground ginger
• Ground turmeric
• Cayenne pepper
• Ground cloves

Vegetables and Fruits

• Onions
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Dried apricots, dates, or prunes
• Olives
• Tomatoes or tomato paste
• Sweet potato

Liquids and Garnishes

• Chicken or lamb stock
• Lemon zest
• Slivered almonds
• Coriander/cilantro
• Couscous

How long does it take to cook a tagine in a slow cooker?

A tagine is a North African stew that is named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in. It is typically cooked over a consistent temperature with a small amount of liquid, and the steam is trapped by the tall lid of the dish. This is very similar to how a slow cooker works.

The time it takes to cook a tagine in a slow cooker depends on the type of meat used and the temperature setting. For example, a chicken tagine with apricots and chickpeas will take 6 hours on a low setting. However, if you want to cook the same dish on a high setting, it will take 4 and a half hours.

Similarly, a lamb tagine with dried fruit and nuts will take 4 hours on a high setting or 6 hours on a low setting. If you want to cook a lamb tagine with chickpeas, you can expect it to be ready in 4 to 5 hours on a low setting.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific recipe and the desired level of doneness. For instance, if you are cooking chicken tagine with boneless thighs, checking for doneness after 3 hours is recommended.

What are the steps to make a slow cooker lamb tagine?

Ingredients:

• Lamb (neck fillet or shoulder)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Spices (such as coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cumin, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, cayenne, cloves)
• Chicken or lamb stock
• Dried fruit (such as apricots, dates, raisins, or prunes)
• Vegetables (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or chickpeas)
• Tomato paste or chopped tomatoes
• Fresh herbs (such as coriander or mint)
• Almonds
• Couscous, rice, or quinoa (to serve)

Method:

• Cut the lamb into chunks, removing any excess fat.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Brown the lamb on all sides in batches, then transfer to the slow cooker.
• In the same pan, add the onions and carrots and fry until softened and starting to brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.
• Add the garlic and spices to the pan and cook until fragrant.
• Pour in some chicken or lamb stock and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
• Transfer the contents of the pan to the slow cooker, along with the remaining stock.
• Add the dried fruit, vegetables, and tomato paste or chopped tomatoes to the slow cooker and stir well.
• Cook on a low setting for 8-10 hours or on a high setting for 6-8 hours.
• If desired, prepare couscous, rice, or quinoa according to the package instructions to serve with the tagine.
• Sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs and toasted almonds before serving.

Tips:

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid of the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the sauce.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months.
• To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and then heat thoroughly before serving.

What type of meat is best for a slow cooker tagine?

When it comes to choosing the best meat for a slow cooker tagine, there are a few options to consider. A classic option is lamb, which is a popular choice for this Moroccan dish. Lamb shoulder, neck or leg, cut into chunks, can be fried in a pan before being added to the slow cooker with other ingredients.

Another option is beef, which is also commonly used in Moroccan tagines. Beef shin, chuck steak, or braising steak are good choices as they benefit from the slow cooking process, becoming tender and full of flavour.

Chicken is also an option for a tagine, although it is less commonly featured in recipes.

Vegetarians can also enjoy a tagine, with chickpeas being a popular protein option.

What can you serve with a slow cooker tagine?

A slow-cooked tagine is a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for cold weather. It is a very versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and garnishes to enhance its flavour and make it a complete meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with a slow cooker tagine:

Couscous

Couscous is a traditional side dish for tagine and is a great option to soak up all the delicious sauce. It can be served plain or flavoured with ingredients like lemon zest, cumin, paprika, onion, and peppers.

Rice

Rice is another option to accompany the tagine and can be served plain or with a little butter. It provides a filling and starchy base for the rich tagine sauce.

Bread

Fresh bread is also a great option to mop up all the sauce from the tagine. It can be served as a side or used to dip into the tagine for a more casual meal.

Vegetables

A simple green salad with a citrusy dressing or a Moroccan raw carrot salad can be served on the side to add some freshness and crunch to the meal. Roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash, courgettes, or peppers, can also be served as a side dish.

Garnishes

Garnishes are an integral part of a tagine and can really enhance the flavours of the dish. Toasted almonds, chopped cilantro (coriander), and lemon wedges are great options to provide some crunch, freshness, and a unique flavour profile. Other garnishes could include sliced almonds, toasted pine nuts, or an extra squeeze of lemon.

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