Lamb, apricot, and chickpea tagine

Lamb, apricot, and chickpea tagine

6
Points®
Total Time
1 hr 15 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
1 hr
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Ras el hanout, the spice blend used in our North African stew, is sweet, savory, and spicy all at once. Find it in specialty food stores, big box stores, and online. You can also substitute garam masala, though the flavor of the finished dish will not be the same.

Ingredients

Garam masala

4½ tsp, ras el hanout, or curry powder

Kosher salt

½ tsp

Uncooked lean and trimmed lamb leg

16 oz, 4 (4-ounce) lamb shanks, trimmed

Olive oil

2 tsp

Uncooked onion

1 medium, chopped

Garlic

3 clove(s), minced

Beef broth

1¾ cup(s)

Canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

15½ oz, rinsed and drained

Dried apricot halves

12 half/halves, quartered

Cooked whole wheat couscous

2 cup(s)

Cilantro

cup(s), chopped fresh

Pomegranate seeds

¼ cup(s), (arils)

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle 11/2 teaspoons ras el hanout and salt all over lamb.Set aside.
  2. Press Sauté on 6-quart Instant Pot. When Hot is displayed, add oil and onion; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon ras el hanout and cook, stirring, 1 minute; add broth. Arrange lamb shanks in pot. Press Cancel to turn off pot. Lock lid, making sure vent is closed.
  3. Press Pressure Cook and select High Pressure; set cooking time for 55 minutes. When time is up, press Cancel to turn off pot. Move steam release valve to Venting position to quickly release pressure. Remove lid and stir in chickpeas and apricots.Lock lid, making sure vent is closed. Press Pressure Cook and select High Pressure; set cooking time for 2 minutes.
  4. When time is up, press Cancel to turn off pot. Move steam release valve to Venting position to quickly release pressure. Remove lid and transfer lamb to cutting board. Cover pot. With fork, pull large chunks of lamb from bones; discard bones. Stir meat back into pot.
  5. Divide couscous evenly among 4 plates or shallow bowls. Spoon lamb mixture over. Sprinkle with cilantro and pomegranate seeds.
  6. Per serving: 1 cup stew, 1/2 cup couscous, and 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds.