The Hairy Bikers’ Lamb Tagine recipe is a vibrant and aromatic dish that brings the exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine right to your table. Known for their adventurous and hearty cooking, the Hairy Bikers have crafted this lamb tagine to be rich with spices, tender lamb, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts. It’s a perfect meal for those looking to explore international flavors or simply enjoy a warming, comforting dish.
In this article, we’ll explore the Hairy Bikers’ approach to Lamb Tagine, providing you with all the tips you need to create this beautifully spiced and satisfying meal.
What is Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine Recipe?
Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine is a delicious recipe inspired by the traditional Moroccan dish of lamb stew cooked in a clay pot. The recipe features lamb shoulder, onion, carrot, garlic, ginger, lemon, tomato, honey, dried apricots, sultanas, almonds, and a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, and more. The lamb tagine is cooked slowly in the oven or a slow cooker, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Typically requiring a couple of hours of cooking to enhance the depth of flavors, this recipe is well worth the time for its tender and succulent results.
Other Hairy Bikers Recipes
Why You Love this Recipe
This Lamb Tagine recipe is beloved for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: Despite its exotic flavors, the recipe is straightforward, requiring only simple marinating and simmering techniques.
- Flexibility: The dish is adaptable to various lamb cuts and can be customized with different vegetables and levels of spiciness. It accommodates a range of accompaniments, making it versatile for any meal.
- Nutritious: Lamb is a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, while the inclusion of dried fruits and vegetables adds a bounty of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
- Comforting Quality: The dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering warmth and satisfaction with its hearty and aromatic nature.
- Aromatic Appeal: Cooking this tagine fills your home with inviting scents, enhancing the dining experience even before the first bite.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
To make the Hairy Bikers lamb tagine recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 kg of lamb shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp of ground cumin
- 2 tsp of ground coriander
- 2 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp of turmeric
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- 1/4 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of saffron threads, soaked in a little warm water
- 400 ml of chicken stock
- 400 g of chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp of honey
- 100 g of dried apricots, halved
- 50 g of sultanas
- 50 g of flaked almonds, toasted
- A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
To make the Hairy Bikers lamb tagine recipe, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas mark 3. Heat the oil in a large casserole dish over high heat. Add the lamb pieces and brown them on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Transfer the lamb to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions to the same casserole dish. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, then stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cook for a few seconds, then add the saffron and its soaking liquid, the stock, the tomatoes, and the honey. Bring to a boil, then return the lamb to the dish and mix well.
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender. Halfway through the cooking time, stir in the apricots and the sultanas.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and sprinkle the toasted almonds, the fresh coriander, and the fresh parsley over the lamb tagine. Serve hot with couscous, bread, or rice.
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine?
Pair Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine with a variety of sides for a complete and harmonious meal:
- Couscous: This light and fluffy semolina staple is a classic pairing. Enhance it with butter, herbs, and lemon for added flavor.
- Bread Varieties: Offer a selection of bread like flatbread, pita, naan, or crusty bread for dipping and scooping up the delicious sauce.
- Rice: Complement the tagine with plain or embellished rice, adding saffron, raisins, or nuts for an extra layer of taste and texture.
- Quinoa: For a healthier twist, serve with quinoa, known for its high protein and fiber content, while providing a satisfying nutty taste.
- Salad: Balance the richness of the tagine with a refreshing salad, simple or elaborate, to introduce a crunchy, light element to your meal.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
For a delightful Lamb Tagine, consider these expert suggestions:
- Marination: Prolong the marination of the lamb, ideally overnight or a minimum of 8 hours, to deeply infuse the meat with the spices, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
- Searing: Ensure a thorough browning of the lamb. This step is crucial for developing a rich, caramelized crust, contributing significantly to the depth of flavor in the final dish.
- Cookware Choice: Opt for a traditional tagine or a spacious casserole dish, which helps in even cooking and maintaining the moisture and aroma within the dish. The unique design of a tagine aids in condensing the steam back into the dish, enriching the flavor.
- Toasting Almonds: Toast almonds until golden for a delightful crunch and enhanced nutty flavor, carefully avoiding burning.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and parsley to introduce a vibrant color and a burst of freshness, providing a pleasing contrast to the rich flavors.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine
Explore these creative twists to personalize the Lamb Tagine:
- Meat Variations: Swap lamb with beef or chicken, or mix different meats for varied texture and taste. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetable Additions: Integrate potatoes, sweet potatoes, or other root vegetables to add heartiness. Chickpeas can also be a nutritious inclusion.
- Spice It Up: Introduce harissa paste for a spicy kick or preserved lemon for a tangy depth. These elements beautifully complement the sweetness from dried fruits and honey.
- Olives: Incorporate green or black olives to infuse a Mediterranean essence and a savory bite into your tagine.
How do I store Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine Leftovers?
To store the Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine leftovers, follow these steps:
- Let the lamb tagine cool completely at room temperature. Do not leave it out for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can grow quickly in warm and moist conditions.
- Transfer the lamb tagine to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. You can store it as a whole, or divide it into smaller portions for easier reheating.
- Label the container or the bag with the name and the date of the dish. This will help you identify and use it within the recommended time frame.
- Refrigerate the lamb tagine for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space in the container or the bag, as the sauce may expand when frozen.
How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine Leftovers?
To reheat the Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine leftovers, follow these steps:
- Thawing: Thaw frozen tagine in the refrigerator or use a microwave for a quick defrost.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan or oven, adding a bit of water or broth if necessary to adjust consistency.
- Final Touches: Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs and toasted almonds to refresh its flavors.
Nutrition value (per serving):
- Calories: 423
- Fat: 20.5 g
- Carbs: 23.6 g
- Protein: 35.8 g
FAQs
Can Lamb Tagine be made in advance?
Yes, lamb tagine can be made in advance and, in fact, often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and intensify. Prepare the tagine as usual, then cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven when ready to serve. It’s an excellent dish for meal prep or when catering to guests as the flavors develop and deepen over time.
Can I make lamb tagine without a traditional tagine pot?
Yes, you can make lamb tagine without a traditional tagine pot by using a heavy-bottomed casserole dish or a Dutch oven. These alternatives provide similar slow-cooking and steam circulation needed to tenderize the lamb and infuse flavors.
What are the best cuts of lamb for tagine?
The best cuts of lamb for tagine are typically tougher, more flavorful cuts that benefit from slow cooking, such as lamb shoulder or leg. These cuts break down over the extended cooking time, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
How can I thicken the sauce in my lamb tagine if it’s too watery?
To thicken a watery sauce, you can simmer the tagine uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the tagine, then let it cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers lamb tagine recipe is a great way to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dish that is hearty, tasty, and easy to make. It is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. You can customize it to your liking and serve it with your favorite sides. It will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds happy. Try it today and let me know what you think. Bon appétit!