Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Lemon & Almond Beef Tagine with Courgette Magic, featuring tender beef, tangy lemon, crunchy almonds, and fresh courgettes.
Zesty Lemon & Almond Beef Tagine with Courgette Magic
Welcome to a culinary adventure that transports you to the vibrant markets of Morocco with every mouthful. This Zesty Lemon & Almond Beef Tagine with Courgette Magic combines rich spices, tender beef, and the freshness of courgettes to create a melody of flavors that dance on your palate. The dish is a perfect harmony between the savory depth of beef and the bright zest of lemon, with almonds providing a delightful crunch. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to bring an exotic twist to a family meal, this tagine is sure to be a showstopper!
Ingredients
For the Beef Tagine:
- 2 pounds (about 900g) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and quartered
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups beef stock or water
- 1 cup pitted green olives
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
For the Courgette Magic:
- 2 courgettes (zucchini), sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tagine
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing them until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Allow the spices to bloom for 1 minute, releasing their flavors.
- Return the beef to the pot, and stir in the preserved lemon and blanched almonds. Drizzle with honey and pour in beef stock, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors well-integrated.
Step 2: Prepare the Courgette Magic
- About 30 minutes before the tagine is ready, heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the courgette slices and sauté until they are golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped mint. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Once the beef has reached its desired tenderness, fold in the green olives into the tagine, allowing them to heat through for a few minutes.
- Taste the tagine sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more water or stock to reach your preferred consistency.
- To serve, spoon the flavorful beef tagine onto plates, and garnish liberally with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve a side of the Courgette Magic, either on top of the tagine or alongside it, for a refreshing contrast.
conclusion
the Zesty Lemon & Almond Beef Tagine with Courgette Magic is a sensory delight that perfectly marries bold and zesty flavors with the earthiness of beef. This recipe invites you to explore the rich culinary traditions of North Africa from the comfort of your home kitchen. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of magic to any table, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary journey!