Lamb Merguez Tagine

Lamb Merguez Tagine

Aromatic North African tagine with spiced lamb, preserved lemon, and olives.

• Meal Type: Dinner
• Dietary: Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
• Main Ingredient: Ground Lamb
• Servings: 4
• Cost per Serving: $11.00
• Prep Time: 45 min

Ingredients

Spiced Lamb

• 1½ lb ground lamb
• 1 medium onion, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil

From-Scratch Merguez Spice Blend

• 1½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp harissa paste
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tagine Base

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken or lamb bone broth
• 1 preserved lemon, rind only, finely chopped
• ½ cup green olives, pitted
• 1 tsp honey
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cauliflower couscous or steamed rice for serving

Instructions

Season the Lamb

1. Combine ground lamb with grated onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, and the full merguez spice blend. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.

Brown the Lamb

1. Heat olive oil in a tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add seasoned lamb and cook, breaking apart, for 7–8 minutes until browned.

Build the Tagine

1. Add diced tomatoes, bone broth, preserved lemon, olives, and honey. Stir to combine.
2. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes until sauce is rich and fragrant.
3. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve

1. Serve over cauliflower couscous or steamed rice.

Nutrition Notes

Ground lamb is rich in zinc, iron, and B12. This tagine is paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free. The from-scratch merguez spice blend delivers authentic North African flavor without artificial additives. Preserved lemon and olives add electrolytes and healthy fats.