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Moroccan Saffron-Braised Lamb Shanks with Sweet Apricots and Aromatic Spice Infusion

A richly spiced Moroccan braise with tender lamb shanks, sweet apricots, and a fragrant saffron-infused sauce.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lamb shanks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1 tablespoon warm water
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dried apricots, halved
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Toasted almonds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the lamb shanks dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until deeply browned and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Soak saffron threads in warm water and add to the pot.
  7. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, honey, bay leaves, and apricots.
  8. Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
  9. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  10. Braise for 3 to 3½ hours, turning occasionally, until the lamb is fork-tender and nearly falling off the bone.
  11. Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  13. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and toasted almonds before serving.
  14. Serve over fluffy couscous, fragrant rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes

  • Author: Chef Stella
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

  • Calories: 685 kcal