Authentic Moroccan Tagine Recipe – A Flavorful North African Stew

Moroccan Tagine Recipe – Moroccan Tagine is one of the most iconic dishes of North African cuisine, known for its rich blend of spices, tender meat, and slow-cooked vegetables. Named after the conical clay pot in which it is traditionally cooked, this dish captures the essence of Moroccan cooking — aromatic, colorful, and full of depth. Whether you prepare it with chicken, lamb, or vegetables, the tagine’s signature lies in its perfectly balanced mix of sweet and savory ingredients such as dried fruits, nuts, and spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: Moroccan / North African
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4
Calories: 520 kcal

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or lamb pieces

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• ½ cup dried apricots or raisins

• ¼ cup green olives

• 2 tablespoons honey

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

• 1 lemon, sliced for garnish

Equipment

• Traditional tagine pot or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Serving platter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Begin by heating olive oil in your tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the chicken thighs or lamb pieces to the pot. Cook them on each side until nicely browned. This step locks in the juices and enhances the depth of flavor that defines a great Moroccan Tagine.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in cumin, ginger, paprika, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper, then stir well to coat the meat evenly with the aromatic spices. The fragrance at this stage will already transport you straight to a Moroccan souk.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken broth. Mix well, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. This liquid will become the rich, flavorful sauce that cooks the meat to perfection.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Sweetness

Add the carrots, dried apricots, olives, and honey. Stir to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged slightly in the sauce. Cover with the tagine lid or pot lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 25–30 minutes.

Tips for the Best Moroccan Tagine

• Use a tagine pot if possible: The conical lid helps condense steam and infuse moisture back into the dish, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.

• Balance the sweetness: The dried fruits add natural sweetness, so adjust honey according to your taste.

• Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat with chickpeas, zucchini, and potatoes for a wholesome vegetarian version.

• Prepare ahead: Tagine tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen over time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot comfort meal that’s easy to make yet tastes gourmet.

• A healthy balance of protein, vegetables, and natural sweetness.

• Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• The spices fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

• Adaptable with chicken, lamb, or vegetarian variations.

Conclusion

The Moroccan Tagine isn’t just a dish — it’s a journey through the colorful and aromatic landscapes of Morocco. Each bite tells a story of tradition, spice, and community. The combination of tender meat, slow-cooked vegetables, and fragrant spices makes it a timeless favorite across the world.