RESET360 with Camille McLaughlin
Instant Pot Meals

Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

Lamb shoulder pressure-cooked with onion, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and saffron until tender, finished with fresh apricots and toasted almonds.

Why you'll love Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

A tagine is the slow-simmered stew of Morocco, and lamb with apricots and almonds is one of its most beloved versions: warm spices, tender meat, and the sweet-tart brightness of fruit. The pressure cooker turns a three-hour braise into 35 minutes, and the lamb comes out meltingly tender in a fragrant, golden sauce.

Fresh apricots go in at the end. Dried apricots, used in many tagines, concentrate their sugar, so this version uses fresh apricots, added after pressure cooking and simmered just long enough to soften without falling apart. Their tartness balances the rich lamb and the warm spices. Toasted almonds add crunch and a real fat.

Serve it with cauliflower rice or a cucumber and mint salad.

Quick overview: This Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds takes 20 min of hands-on time and about 1 hr 15 min in all and makes 4 servings, each about 1 1/2 cups. You'll need an Instant Pot.

Jump to recipe

Lamb tagine with apricots, toasted almonds and cilantro
Prep 20 minCook 55 minTotal 1 hr 15 minServes 4Serving about 1 1/2 cupsYou'll need Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • a pinch of saffron threads
  • 1 cup chicken bone broth Label: chicken bones, water, vegetables, herbs, and salt, with no sugar, natural flavors, or oil
  • 6 fresh apricots, pitted and quartered
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
  • Make it from scratch: Chicken Bone Broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the lamb: Season the lamb with the salt. Set the Instant Pot to sauté, heat the olive oil, and brown the lamb in batches, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. Move it to a plate.
  2. Soften the aromatics: Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, cinnamon stick, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and saffron and stir for 1 minute.
  3. Deglaze: Pour in the broth and scrape up the browned bits. Return the lamb.
  4. Pressure-cook: Lock the lid and cook at high pressure for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
  5. Add the apricots: Set the pot to sauté, add the apricots, and simmer for 5 minutes, until soft and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick.
  6. Serve: Serve topped with toasted almonds and cilantro.

Storage and leftovers

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months. The apricots soften further when reheated.

Variations

  • Plums: Use fresh plums in place of the apricots.
  • Chicken thighs: Use bone-in chicken thighs and cook 12 minutes.
  • Preserved lemon: Add sliced preserved lemon rind with the apricots.
  • Pistachios: Use toasted pistachios in place of the almonds.

Notes and tips

  • Brown well: Browning gives the sauce its depth.
  • Add the apricots late: They stay in pieces and taste fresh.
  • Toast the almonds: Toasting brings out their flavor.
  • Bloom the saffron: Stir it into the hot pot with the spices.

Nutrition and mindful eating

  • Lamb shoulder brings protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
  • Fresh apricots are on the low-glycemic list, with vitamin A and fiber, paired here with protein and fat.
  • Almonds add healthy fat, vitamin E, and crunch.
  • Cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and saffron bring warmth and fragrance.
  • As you eat, notice the sweet-tart fruit against the warm spices and rich lamb, and pay attention to how fruit tastes when it is part of a savory meal.

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds? Start here, with the questions people ask most.

Why fresh apricots instead of dried?

Fresh apricots carry far less concentrated sugar and add a bright, tart flavor.

Can I use frozen apricots?

Yes. Add them straight from frozen and simmer a few minutes longer.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, adding the apricots for the last 30 minutes.

What can I serve with it?

Cauliflower rice, a cucumber salad, or roasted carrots.

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Tags: Instant Pot Meals, Moroccan, Dairy-Free