This sweet and spicy tagine is a savoury combination of dried apricots and meat stewed with saffron, cinnamon, ginger and pepper. Fried almonds are scattered over the tagine as a garnish. Delicious and easy to make, it’s a classic Moroccan recipe which works equally well as a family dinner or special occasion meal.

• 1 kg (2 lb. 3 oz) tender lamb cut into two- or three-inch pieces
• 2 medium onions, grated or very finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, pressed or finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or butter
• small handful of coriander sprigs, tied into a bouquet
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Handful of fried almonds (optional)

1. In a large pot mix the meat with the onions, garlic, spices, and oils. Brown the meat for a few minutes over medium heat.
2. Add 2 1/2 cups of water and the coriander. Over high heat, bring the meat and liquids to a fast simmer.
3. Cover and simmer the meat over medium heat for two to two-and-half hours, until the meat is very tender and breaks away easily from the bone. (Note: About halfway through cooking, remove and reserve 1/2 cup of the liquids.) If necessary, add a small amount of water during cooking to prevent the meat from scorching. When the meat has cooked, reduce the sauce until it is mostly oil and onions.
4. Cook the apricots. While the meat is cooking, put the apricots in a small pot and cover with water. Simmer the apricots over medium heat, partially covered, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain the apricots and add the sugar (or honey), cinnamon and the 1/2 cup of reserved liquid from the meat. Simmer the apricots for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are sitting in a thick syrup.

To serve. Put the meat on a large serving platter. Spoon the apricots and syrup on top. If desired, garnish with fried almonds.

By Christine Benlafquih

From http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/moroccanchickenrecipes/r/tag_chick_lemon.htm

Delicious, surprised at how much the guys liked this sweet dish.