Moroccan cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and vibrant presentation. One of the most popular dishes in Morocco is the leg of lamb, which is often prepared in traditional ways that highlight the rich culinary heritage of the region. If you're looking to elevate your dinner table and impress your guests, here are 7 delicious Moroccan leg of lamb recipes you must try! 🥘
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1. Classic Moroccan Roast Leg of Lamb
This classic roast leg of lamb recipe embodies the essence of Moroccan cooking. Marinated with garlic, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, this dish is a feast for the senses.
Ingredients:
- 1 leg of lamb (about 5-6 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, combine garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade all over the leg of lamb and let it sit for at least 2 hours (or overnight in the fridge for enhanced flavor).
- Place the lamb in a roasting pan and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Allow the lamb to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
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2. Moroccan Spiced Leg of Lamb Tagine
Tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish, named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked. This spiced leg of lamb tagine recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs leg of lamb, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add lamb chunks and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in spices, followed by chicken broth and dried apricots. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and let simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
- Top with almonds and fresh parsley before serving with couscous.
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3. Harissa Marinade Leg of Lamb
Harissa, a fiery chili paste, is a staple in Moroccan cuisine. This recipe features a leg of lamb marinated in harissa for a spicy kick. 🌶️
Ingredients:
- 1 leg of lamb (5-6 lbs)
- 1/4 cup harissa paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix harissa, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade over the leg of lamb, ensuring it's well-coated. Let marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast the lamb for 3 hours or until cooked to your liking.
- Let rest before carving and serve with roasted vegetables.
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4. Moroccan Lamb Couscous
This dish combines the leg of lamb with fluffy couscous, making it a complete meal that is full of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs leg of lamb, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and zucchini until softened.
- Add lamb and cook until browned.
- Stir in spices, followed by chicken broth. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 30 minutes.
- Prepare couscous according to package instructions.
- Serve lamb mixture over couscous.
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5. Honey Glazed Moroccan Lamb
This sweet and savory dish combines the flavors of honey with aromatic spices for a truly unique experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs leg of lamb, trimmed
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Place the lamb in a roasting pan and brush with the honey mixture.
- Roast for about 2 hours, basting occasionally until golden and cooked through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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6. Moroccan Leg of Lamb with Apricots and Almonds
This dish combines tender lamb with sweet apricots and crunchy almonds for a delightful twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs leg of lamb, deboned and butterflied
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Stir in apricots, almonds, and spices; cook until fragrant.
- Spread the mixture over the leg of lamb and roll tightly. Secure with kitchen twine.
- Season the outside of the lamb and roast for about 2-2.5 hours.
- Allow to rest before slicing.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Moroccan+Leg+of+Lamb+with+Apricots+and+Almonds" alt="Moroccan Leg of Lamb with Apricots and Almonds" /> </div>
7. Grilled Moroccan Lamb Skewers
Perfect for a summer BBQ, these grilled lamb skewers are marinated with spices for a smoky flavor. 🍖
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add lamb cubes to the marinade and let sit for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread lamb onto skewers.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked to your liking.
- Serve with fresh salad or pita bread.
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In conclusion, each of these 7 delicious Moroccan leg of lamb recipes brings a unique twist to this beloved dish. Whether you’re looking for something traditional like a roast leg or a fun twist with skewers, there's a recipe here to satisfy every palate. Happy cooking! 🍽️