Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke Hearts & Lamb Tagine

DifficultyIntermediatePrep Time1 hrCook Time1 hr
Ingredients:
 1 kg Lamb
 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
 3 cloves Garlic
 2 tsp Sea Salt
 ½ tsp Black Pepper
 2 tsp Turmeric
 1.50 tsp Ginger
 1 tsp Paprika
 1 pinch Saffron
 1 Onion
 1 Parsley (Bunch)
 6 Artichokes (Hearts)
 Green Peas
 ¼ Preserved Lemon
 Water
 Lemon Slices
About the Recipe:

Dive into the flavors of Morocco with our Artichoke and Lamb Tagine recipe! This dish brings the essence of Moroccan tradition right into your kitchen, combining succulent lamb marinated in spices like turmeric, ginger, paprika, and saffron with hearty artichokes and a hint of preserved lemon. Inspired by the simple yet profound cooking techniques from the Middle Atlas mountains, this recipe is more than just a meal; it's a journey through Moroccan culture. Perfect for anyone looking to spice up their cooking routine with something exotic and flavorful. Watch our video to see how easy it is to create a mouthwatering tagine that'll impress at any table. Let's cook up some Moroccan magic!

Here’s How It’s Done:

  1. Set up heat & prep aromatics
    • Light a charcoal grill (traditional) or prepare a stovetop with a heat diffuser.
    • 3 garlic cloves, crushed; mix with 3 Tbsp vegetable oil and set aside.
  2. Season the lamb & start the tagine
    • ~1 kg lamb (leg/shoulder pieces). Add to tagine with the garlic-oil mix and 2 tsp salt.
    • Spice: 2 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp black pepper, 1½ tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp paprika.
    • Optional saffron: bloom a small pinch in ½ cup hot water and keep for later. Cover the tagine and let the meat warm through in the spices.
  3. Onion & parsley base
    • Finely chop 1 medium white onion; add to the tagine. Cover briefly.
    • Add a small bunch of parsley (leaves + stems), finely chopped. Mix, cover again.
  4. Prep the artichokes (prevent browning)
    • Trim to the hearts; keep in water with a lemon slice to stop oxidation.
    • If using fresh: remove choke if present; keep hearts whole or halved.
  5. Build the tagine & add liquids
    • Rinse the spoon/bowl used for spices with hot water and pour into the tagine (about 120–180 ml total). Add the bloomed saffron liquid if using.
    • Nestle in 6 artichoke hearts and scatter in green peas to fill the gaps (~150–200 g).
    • Add ¼ preserved lemon (rind, finely chopped). Taste the sauce; adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Slow cook, then reduce
    • Cook covered over gentle heat (charcoal or low stovetop). Check occasionally; if liquid runs low, add a splash of hot water.
    • When lamb and artichokes are tender, uncover and reduce to a glossy, concentrated sauce. Serve hot.


    Notes & Swaps

  • Lamb cuts: Shoulder or leg cubes work well; include a few bone-in pieces for body.
  • Artichokes: Frozen hearts are fine—add from frozen and extend cooking a few minutes.
  • Saffron: Skip color cubes; real saffron (pinch, bloomed) adds aroma without artificial taste.
  • Heat source: Charcoal gives gentle, even heat. On stovetop, always use a diffuser to protect the clay.
  • Peas: Green peas are traditional here; fava or green beans also work.
  • Finish: A few red or green olives at the end are classic; a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil before serving is lovely.
  • Serving: With Moroccan bread to scoop; keep sauce slightly loose for dipping.

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