This slow-cooker Moroccan lamb and couscous tagine is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The lamb is seasoned with a blend of Moroccan spices and cooked until tender, while the vegetables add sweetness and texture. The couscous is cooked separately and then served as a bed for the lamb and vegetables.
This recipe is inspired by the classic Moroccan dish, tagine. A tagine is a stew that is typically cooked in a conical earthenware pot. The pot has a narrow base and a wide top, which allows the steam to circulate and cook the food evenly. **[1]** This recipe uses a slow cooker to achieve the same effect, and the result is a tender and flavorful lamb dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 480 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
Lamb shoulder (1.5-2 lbs)
Onion (1 large)
Garlic cloves (3)
Carrots (2)
Celery sticks (2)
Zucchini (1 medium)
Moroccan spice blend (2 tbsp)
Cumin (1 tsp)
Crushed tomatoes (1 can)
Instructions
Season lamb with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
Add lamb to slow cooker along with chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, spices, and tomatoes.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until lamb is tender.
Prepare couscous according to package directions.
Serve lamb and vegetables over couscous.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs (optional).
Why It Works
The slow cooker allows the lamb to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
The combination of Moroccan spices, cumin, and crushed tomatoes gives the dish a complex and flavorful taste.
The vegetables add sweetness and texture to the dish, and the couscous provides a hearty and filling base.