Lamb tagine with okra and quince is a delectable dish bursting with vibrant flavors and inviting aromas, sure to tantalize your taste buds. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Morocco, this dish embodies a harmonious blend of succulent lamb, tender okra, and the unique tanginess of quince, all simmering together in a fragrant broth infused with aromatic spices. Let's embark on a culinary journey as we explore the depths of this delightful recipe, uncovering the secrets to creating an unforgettable lamb tagine with okra and quince that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Morocco.
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LAMB TAGINE WITH OKRA AND QUINCE
The flavors in this modified Saveur recipe are very complex and spicy. Being unfamiliar with quince, fruit that cannot be eaten unless cooked seems unusual. Quince are ripe when yellow in color and are usually available during Fall. Adding an exotic component to the complexity of this dish, nothing can substitute for its tartness and sweetness. Now the poor little misunderstood okra often gets beat up by those who have never had it prepared correctly. Related to cotton, hollyhock, and hibiscus, okra grows in warm climates. Look for young pods under 4 inches long, which should yield tender results when gently simmered a few minutes. Keep in mind that a food processor can speed up the prep work. Although meat is not traditionally browned in making a tajine, I do anyway. Served with couscous and a garnish of preserved lemon on the side, you just might imagine eating outside under a partially open tent, looking out on the desert, all shimmering and silver beneath the starlit Moroccan sky.
Provided by French Terrine
Categories Stew
Time 2h30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Using the grating disc in food processor, grate one onion and set aside.
- Using chopping blade in food processor, mince the garlic and set aside. Mince jalapeno, then chop the two remaining onions and set aside. (Do not combine with the minced garlic or grated onion, since ingredients are added to the simmering tajine at different times.) Chop cilantro and parsley, then set aside.
- Heat olive oil in bottom of tagine or dutch oven with a tightly fitting lid. Brown lamb, adding salt and pepper to taste. Add grated onion, saffron, ginger, paprika, cilantro, parsley and garlic and stir with the browned lamb. Add the can of tomatoes and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile toast cumin seed in a small skillet until fragrant, just a few minutes. Allow to cool, then grind in spice grinder. The Saveur recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, but you might want to use all that you ground. Or save the rest for another use.
- After lamb has been simmering for 45 minutes, add chopped onions, jalapeño, and 1/2 teaspoon (or more if you want) of toasted ground cumin, then simmer 45 minutes more.
- Meanwhile poach the quince. Cut each quince into 6 slices, leaving skin on and removing core and seeds. Using a large skillet, poach the quince in simmering salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain off almost all of the poaching water, reserving about 2--3 tablespoons in the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the cinnamon, making a syrup. Cook fleshy side down until glazed, about 20 minutes. Turn over and brown the skin side. Keep warm to serve with the lamb.
- Simmer okra in a small amount of water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and add to tajine. (The Saveur recipe just adds the okra to the tajine after it has simmered for the 90 minutes. But when I did this before, I simply could not get my okra tender within a few minutes. Once the okra had finally cooked sufficiently, it seemed that some of the other ingredients, like the garlic and cumin, had overcooked, resulting in a bitter flavor. So to get the flavor right, I cook the okra separately).
- To prepare couscous, add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 cup of couscous. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
- To plate, serve tajine over the couscous and garnish with the quince. If you have any preserved lemon, add a little to the plate with a few sprigs of cilantro.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 801.6, Fat 36.3, SaturatedFat 14.1, Cholesterol 135.3, Sodium 174.3, Carbohydrate 78.2, Fiber 11.5, Sugar 14.6, Protein 43.7
LAMB TAJINE WITH APPLES AND BABY OKRA
Steps:
- Preheat a heavy, thick pot. Add the olive oil and heat, then add the lamb and brown. Add the garlic and onions and stir. Add the pepper then the ginger, saffron, cinnamon, salt, parsley, cilantro, bay leaves, Ras el Hanout, water, and powdered red hot pepper, if using, and bring to a boil for 30 minutes on medium heat.
- Add sugar, apples, and okra and cook for another 30 minutes. Add more water if needed. (Make sure the lamb is tender, before you add the sugar, apples, and okra.) Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve on a large platter, first the lamb and garnish with apples (skin up), okra on top and the sauce over it. Serve hot.
TAGINE OF LAMB WITH CARAMELIZED BABY ONIONS AND QUINCES
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Follow the recipe for Tagine of Lamb with Caramelized Baby Onions and Pears (page 106) but instead of the pears, use 3 quinces, weighing about 2 pounds. Quinces are now available for several months, starting in the fall, as they are imported from various countries, which have different seasons.
- Wash and scrub the quinces. Boil them whole for about 1 hour, or until they feel soft. The time varies greatly depending on their size and degree of ripeness, so watch them and do not let them fall apart. Drain them and, when cool enough to handle, cut them into quarters, then cut away the cores but do not peel them.
- In a large skillet, sauté the quarters in a little sunflower oil until the cut sides are brown. This gives them a delicious caramelized flavor. Alternatively, for a honeyed version, sauté the quinces in a mixture of 1/4 stick (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted with 1 tablespoon sunflower oil and 1 1/2 tablespoons clear honey. You may also add 3/4 cup walnut halves, which gives a wonderful contrast of texture.
- Put the quinces-caramelized or honeyed-in the pan with the meat, skin side down, and cook until they are soft but, again, watch them so that they do not fall apart. If there is not enough room, lift out the meat and put in the fruits, returning the meat to heat through before serving. Serve hot, with the quinces, skin side up, on top of the meat.
LAMB AND QUINCE TAGINE
This savory Moroccan lamb stew is perfumed with ginger, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and vanilla.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer lamb shanks to a bowl.
- Add onions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and cayenne to drippings in pot, and cook 4 minutes. Return lamb and any juices to pot, and add enough water to cover (about 5 cups). Add honey, 1/3 cup cilantro, and the saffron, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer gently until lamb is tender, about 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add quinces and lemon juice. Cover with parchment cut to fit pan. Reduce heat, and simmer gently until tender but not falling apart, about 40 minutes. Drain, and then remove cores. Transfer half the quinces to a food processor, and puree. (Alternatively, mash with a fork.)
- Place lamb on a plate. Raise heat to medium-high, and simmer to reduce liquid by half, about 20 minutes, skimming fat. Return lamb to pot, and add whole and pureed quinces. Cook until sauce has thickened, 20 to 25 minutes.
- To serve, season tagine with salt and pepper. Spoon couscous into bowls, top with tagine, and sprinkle with remaining 2/3 cup cilantro and the almonds.
Tips for an Exquisite Lamb Tagine with Okra and Quince:
- Select high-quality lamb: Opt for lamb shoulder or leg with a good amount of marbling for a tender and flavorful result.
- Prep your spices: Use a mortar and pestle to grind the cumin, coriander, and turmeric for a more intense flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the lamb in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Simmer gently: Allow the tagine to simmer gently over low heat to tenderize the lamb and allow the flavors to develop.
- Add the okra and quince strategically: Introduce the okra and quince towards the end of the cooking time to retain their texture and vibrant color.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey to Morocco:
This lamb tagine with okra and quince is a delightful blend of Moroccan flavors and textures. The tender lamb, succulent vegetables, and aromatic spices create a harmonious and satisfying dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers a delightful culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant souks of Morocco. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving for more.
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