Moroccan Beef Tagine with Savory Brussels Sprouts
Indulge in the rich flavors of Morocco with this hearty beef tagine, featuring tender stewing beef simmered in a fragrant blend of spices. This unique twist incorporates freshly halved Brussels sprouts, adding a delightful texture and a burst of color to this traditional stew. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is sure to impress family and friends with its vibrant taste and aromatic allure.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
2.5 lbs (Cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces)
Olive oil
As needed (For sautéing)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Sweet paprika
2.5 teaspoons (Ground)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Onions
2.5 cups (Finely chopped)
Cilantro
1.5 cups (Finely chopped)
Fresh Brussels sprouts
2 lbs (Cut in half lengthwise)
Lemon
1 large (Juice of)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper firmly. In a Dutch oven, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add turmeric to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds to release the aroma.
2
Next, add the seasoned beef to the pot, ensuring it is browned thoroughly on all sides. This step enhances the meat's flavor and contributes to the dish's overall richness.
3
Once the beef is nicely browned, cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to low, allowing the meat to cook in its own juices for 15 minutes.
4
After 15 minutes, add the sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger, cumin, finely chopped onions, and half of the cilantro to the pot. Pour in a splash of water (about 1/2 cup) to prevent sticking, then re-cover the pot. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and checking if more water is needed to maintain desired consistency.
5
While the beef simmers, bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then blanch the Brussels sprouts for 30 seconds. Drain them and immediately run under cold water to halt the cooking process, ensuring they remain vibrant and crisp.
6
In a large wok or skillet, heat olive oil (or use a non-stick spray) until nearly smoking. Stir-fry the blanched Brussels sprouts over high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly browned and tender. Add half of the fresh lemon juice and season with salt to taste.
7
Carefully fold the sautéed Brussels sprouts, the remaining cilantro, and the remaining lemon juice into the stew. Taste the dish again for seasoning adjustments. Serve immediately, savoring the warm and aromatic flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Beef Tagine with Savory Brussels Sprouts?
It is a hearty Moroccan-inspired stew made with tender beef, aromatic spices like cumin and turmeric, and a unique addition of stir-fried Brussels sprouts.
What cut of beef is best for this tagine?
The recipe calls for 2.5 lbs of stewing beef, which becomes tender during the long simmering process.
How should the beef be prepared before cooking?
The beef should be cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces and seasoned firmly with salt and pepper.
What spices provide the flavor for this dish?
The flavor profile includes turmeric, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, and ground cumin.
How long does the beef need to simmer?
After the initial browning, the beef simmers for 1.5 to 2 hours until it reaches a tender consistency.
How many onions are required for the recipe?
You will need 2.5 cups of finely chopped onions.
How are the Brussels sprouts prepared?
The Brussels sprouts are halved lengthwise, blanched for 30 seconds, and then stir-fried until tender and slightly browned.
Why is turmeric sautéed in oil first?
Sautéing turmeric in hot olive oil for 30 seconds helps to release its natural aroma and deepen the flavor of the dish.
What is the purpose of blanching the Brussels sprouts?
Blanching ensures the sprouts stay vibrant and crisp while preparing them for a quick stir-fry.
How much water is added to the beef stew?
A splash of water, about 1/2 cup, is added initially, with more added occasionally as needed to maintain consistency.
When is the cilantro added to the dish?
Half of the chopped cilantro is added at the start of the long simmer, and the remaining half is folded in at the end.
How do you finish the Brussels sprouts before adding them to the stew?
They are stir-fried over high heat for 2-3 minutes with olive oil, then seasoned with lemon juice and salt.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, balanced by sweet paprika and other warm spices.
What type of pot should I use?
A Dutch oven is recommended for the beef stew, and a large wok or skillet is best for stir-frying the sprouts.
How much lemon juice is used?
The juice of one large lemon is used, divided between the Brussels sprouts and the final stew assembly.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for the spice mix.
How do I prevent the meat from cooking too fast?
After browning, reduce the heat to low and keep the pot tightly covered to simmer the meat gently.
Do I need to peel the Brussels sprouts?
The recipe simply requires them to be cut in half lengthwise; you should remove any loose or discolored outer leaves first.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
The tags include Moroccan, beef tagine, Brussels sprouts, stew, comfort food, and slow cooked.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this Moroccan beef tagine.
Should I salt the blanching water for the sprouts?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1 tablespoon of salt to the 6 cups of boiling water used for blanching.
How do I stop the Brussels sprouts from overcooking?
Immediately run them under cold water after the 30-second blanching period to halt the cooking process.
What kind of oil is used for the tagine?
Olive oil is used both for browning the beef and stir-frying the Brussels sprouts.
Is the beef browned before simmering?
Yes, browning the beef thoroughly on all sides is a critical step for enhancing the flavor richness.
Can I adjust the salt at the end?
Yes, the final step is to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While specific serving numbers aren't listed, the use of 2.5 lbs of beef and 2 lbs of sprouts typically serves 6-8 people.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features lean protein and a significant amount of Brussels sprouts.
How is the final dish served?
The sautéed Brussels sprouts are folded into the beef stew and served immediately while warm.
What makes this twist on a tagine unique?
The addition of freshly stir-fried Brussels sprouts provides a unique texture and color contrast compared to traditional tagines.