🇲🇦 Morocco · Food

Lamb Tagine with Caramelized Onions

70 min
A great way to spend your free time
🔥 450 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Lamb Tagine with Caramelized Onions🇲🇦 MA

A refined masterpiece of Moroccan cuisine, balancing tender slow-cooked lamb with a sweet and savory onion confit known as tfaya. The aromatic spices create a deep, complex flavor profile perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed tagine or pot over medium heat.

  • 2

    Brown 800g of cubed lamb on all sides until a deep, crusty golden color forms, about 8 minutes.

  • 3

    Add 2 finely chopped onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ginger, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and a pinch of saffron.

  • 4

    Stir gently for 5 minutes until the onions begin to soften and become fragrant.

  • 5

    Pour in 500ml of water, bring to a simmer, then cover tightly with a lid.

  • 6

    Reduce heat to low and cook for 60 minutes, ensuring the lamb is submerged and tender enough to fall apart with a fork.

  • 7

    Meanwhile, in a separate pan, caramelize extra sliced onions with honey and cinnamon until golden brown.

  • 8

    Serve the lamb in the tagine, generously topped with the sweet caramelized onion mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef instead of lamb?+

Yes, beef shoulder or shank works beautifully, though you may need to increase the cooking time by 30-45 minutes.

What is the secret to the perfect sauce?+

The secret is reducing the liquid at the end with the lid off until the sauce clings to the spoon.

Do I need a clay tagine?+

While a clay tagine adds an authentic earthiness, a heavy-duty Dutch oven or enameled cast iron pot provides excellent results.

How do I know when the meat is done?+

The meat is ready when it is completely tender and pulls away easily from the bone or breaks apart under gentle pressure.

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