Moroccan Lamb Stew
a holiday in your bowl
Isn't it remarkable how food can transport us to another time and place?
Moroccan Lamb Stew is my favorite go-to dish when I feel cooped up in winter's grasp. Instantly, the aromatic spices of cinnamon, allspice, and sweet paprika wafting out of my kitchen take me on an exotic holiday. I imagine walking through corridors of winding alleyways in Morocco with my nose turned in the direction of finding that beautiful, unexpected cafe filling the air with its sweet, fragrant love of food. Then, I finally sit at a table to enjoy a meal and lick my lips in bliss.
Blissful Healthy Meals
Most of us want good food to eat that tastes great! This dish delivers both nutritional values without sacrificing flavor. So go ahead, and indulge your taste buds and your imagination this winter's day.
Moroccan Lamb Stew
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon of sweet paprika
1/4 cumin
1/4 chili (optional)
3 1/2 pounds o-bone (round bone) lamb shoulder chops, well-trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces or 2 pounds lamb stew meat
Three tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
Three large garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 tablespoons of minced peeled fresh ginger
1 1/3 cups filtered water
Two large yams, diced in large cubes
Three blood oranges
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
One tablespoon honey
Optional: Harissa to taste
Preparation
Mix all spices in a large bowl. Add lamb pieces to coat with spice mixture—heat olive oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat.
Don't overcrowd lamb pieces by working in batches and sauté on all sides until browned. Return all lamb with its juices back into the pot.
Add onion, garlic, ginger to the pan and sauté for another 5 minutes. Add 1 1/3 cups of water and bring to boil.
Reduce heat and cover and simmer until lamb is almost tender, then add yams. Sir occasionally about 1 hour 30 Minutes
At this time, grate peel from blood oranges and reserved in a small bowl. Cut remaining skin, including the white pith and coarsest chop oranges.
Add to the pot and continue to simmer until lamb is very tender, about another 20 mins.
Now it's time to serve with chopped parsley and honey on top. a spoonful of harissa if you desire with a side of lemon spinach quinoa or a traditional couscous.
