lamb tagine with preserved lemons and olives
serves 12
Heat oil in a large, heavy based tagine or casserole, over a high heat.
Season the lamb, then fry in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden brown all over. Remove and set aside.
Turn down the heat to medium, add the onion, garlic and ginger and fry for 10 minutes until softened.
Stir in the flour and fry for 1-2 minutes
Dry-fry the coriander and cumin seeds in another pan until fragrant, then grind in a pestle and mortar
Add the ground spices to the tagine or casserole dish and fry for 1-2 minutes.
Return the lamb to the pot, along with the saffron water.
Cover with the stock, add the cinnamon, bring to the boil and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
Uncover and simmer for further 15 minutes until the lamb is tender.
Allow to cool completely and freeze in a sealed container if you are cooking this dish in advance; defrost thoroughly before proceeding to the next stage.
If not, add the preserved lemons and olives and simmer for another 15 minutes.
Season, stir in the parsley and serve. Perfect with plain or spiced rice pilaf.