Ingredients
- 450g diced mutton
- 2 x tbsp. rapeseed oil
- 2 x onions finely diced
- 2 x cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 x tbsp. Ras el Hanout (available at most supermarkets)
- 1 x red chilli finely diced
- 1 x thumbnail sized piece of ginger peeled & finely diced
- 2 tbsp. clear honey
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 200g pumpkin or butternut squash diced
- 50g semi dried prunes cut in quarters
- 80g semi dried apricots cut in halves
- 400g chopped Italian plum tomatoes
- 200ml light chicken stock
- 1 tsp. cornflour mixed with a little cold water
- 1 bunch fresh coriander roughly chopped (including stalks)
- zest of 1 orange
- toasted almonds for garnish
Method
- Season the diced mutton with a pinch of salt then fry in a heavy based frying pan over a high heat until rich & golden using ½ of the oil then reserve.
- Sweat the onions & garlic in a deep casserole dish with the remaining oil until soft & translucent.
- Add spices, chilli, ginger & tomato to the onions & cook out for 5 minutes.
- Add the honey & vinegar & boil together for a couple of minutes.
- Add stock and then bring to a simmer.
- Thicken by whisking the corn flour mix into the simmering sauce.
- Add the mutton to the pot, cover & cook for 1½ hour in a preheated oven 140°c fan assisted or 160°c without a fan (gas 3).
- Next add the pumpkin, orange zest & fruits, place back in the oven covered & cook for 1 more hour until both the mutton & vegetables are tender.
- Carefully remove from the oven, taste for seasoning then add the freshly cut coriander into the Tagine just before serving.
- Garnish with toasted almonds
- Serve with minted yoghurt, steamed couscous or basmati rice.