Moroccan Lamb Stew with Apricots

Ingredients and Weight:

• Lamb shoulder: 1 kg (2.2 pounds)
• Apricots: 200 grams (7 ounces)
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Coriander: 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or more for a spicier dish)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Fresh cilantro: to garnish
• Cooking oil: for frying

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 3 hours (low-medium heat)
• Total: 3 hours 20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cube the lamb shoulder into medium-sized pieces and season with salt.
2. In a large pot, heat the cooking oil and fry the lamb pieces until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
4. Return the lamb to the pot, add the cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, and mix well.
5. Add enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 2 hours.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the apricots by pitting them and slicing into halves.
7. After 2 hours, add the apricots to the stew and continue cooking for another hour.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 500+ (depending on the amount of oil used for frying)
• Protein: 35 grams (g)
• Fat: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g (including natural sugars from apricots)
• Fiber: 3 g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and hearty, perfect for colder weather.
• The combination of lamb and apricots creates a sweet-savory flavor profile that is both comforting and unique.
• The dish is quite versatile and can be paired with different sides, from rice to couscous.

User Comments:

1. "The flavors were incredible! The apricots added a unique touch to the traditional lamb stew."
2. "I made this for my family, and they loved it. It was a hit at our dinner table."
3. "I cooked this dish for a dinner party, and it was a real crowd-pleaser. The flavors were rich and complex."
4. "This recipe is quite simple to follow, but the result is impressive."
5. "I added some extra spices to make it spicier, and it was perfect! Great recipe."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a low-medium heat for slow cooking to ensure the meat is tender and the flavors are well-blended.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or spices if needed.
• If you want a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.