Beef Tagine

Beef Tagine is a traditional North African dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is in cultural history. This slow-cooked stew is made in a tagine, a traditional earthenware pot that helps concentrate and infuse the dish with deep, complex flavors. The combination of tender beef, warm spices, and sweet accents like dried fruit or honey creates a symphony of tastes that are both savory and slightly sweet. Perfectly paired with fluffy couscous or warm flatbread, Beef Tagine is a dish that brings comfort and a touch of exotic elegance to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup dried apricots or raisins, chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or tagine over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. Add the beef to the pot in batches and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
3. Simmer the stew: Return the seared beef to the pot and stir to coat with the spices. Add the beef broth or water and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally and add water if necessary to keep the stew moist.
4. Add the sweet accents: About 30 minutes before the tagine is done, stir in the chopped apricots or raisins, toasted almonds, and honey. This will create a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
5. Finish and serve: Once the beef is tender, taste the tagine and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve the Beef Tagine over a bed of warm couscous or with flatbread to soak up the rich sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

This Beef Tagine is a hearty and flavorful dish that transports you to the vibrant, aromatic kitchens of North Africa. The slow-cooked beef, sweet dried fruit, and the warm blend of spices create a dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or a special occasion.