Moroccan-Inspired Tapas

Ingredients

While Spanish tapas are known for their simplicity and use of Mediterranean ingredients, our Moroccan-inspired tapas take a bolder approach. We incorporate traditional Moroccan spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to add depth and complexity to the dishes. Additionally, we introduce ingredients like preserved lemons, harissa, and dates to infuse the tapas with the distinct flavors of Moroccan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) lamb, diced 1 pound (450g) lamb, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (60g) pitted dates, chopped 1/4 cup (60g) pitted dates, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) green olives, sliced 1/4 cup (60g) green olives, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 9g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced lamb and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the lamb from the skillet and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. 4.
   Return the browned lamb to the skillet and mix it with the spiced onion mixture.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth, tomato paste, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Stir in the chopped dates and sliced green olives. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Moroccan-inspired lamb tapas hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — For a more tender result, choose lamb shoulder or leg cuts. Trim excess fat before dicing.
• Preserved lemons — If preserved lemons are not available, substitute with fresh lemon zest for a hint of citrus flavor.
• Harissa — Adjust the amount of harissa according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Dates — Soak the dates in warm water for a few minutes to soften them before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• Serve the Moroccan-inspired lamb tapas with warm pita bread or crusty Moroccan bread for an authentic experience.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the lamb with chickpeas or roasted vegetables.
• Experiment with different spices like turmeric, ginger, or saffron to create your own unique Moroccan-inspired tapas.
• Make a larger batch of the spiced lamb and use it as a filling for savory Moroccan pastries or as a topping for couscous.
• Pair these tapas with a refreshing Moroccan mint tea or a glass of fruity Moroccan red wine.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan-inspired lamb tapas as part of a mezze platter, alongside other Moroccan dishes such as hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm bread for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Moroccan-inspired lamb tapas on a colorful platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh cilantro. Serve with small bowls of harissa and preserved lemons on the side for guests to customize their tapas.