Moroccan Spiced Beef Tagine with Vegetables
Immerse yourself in the aromatic tastes of Morocco with this sumptuous Beef Tagine. This hearty stew features tender beef simmered for hours with an array of vibrant vegetables, fragrant spices, and sweet raisins. Each bite is a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, making it perfect for cozy family gatherings or special occasions. Served alongside fluffy couscous, this dish captures the essence of North African cuisine and transforms a simple meal into a culinary adventure.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Top sirloin steak or top round beef
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
Flour
2 tablespoons (For coating the beef)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (Divided for browning the beef)
Chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (Fat free)
Onion
1 medium (Cut into small wedges)
Ground cumin
2 1/2 teaspoons
Cinnamon
2 teaspoons
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Bay leaf
1
Assorted cut-up vegetables
8 cups (Such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers)
Raisins
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by coating the beef cubes in flour, ensuring an even layer for browning.
2
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add half of the beef cubes to the pan. Sear for approximately 10 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
4
Repeat the browning process with the remaining beef cubes, adding the second tablespoon of oil as needed.
5
Once all the beef is browned, return it to the pan and stir in the chicken broth, onion, and all the spices: cumin, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, and bay leaf.
6
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the broth gets too thick, add more liquid as required.
7
After 90 minutes, introduce the assorted cut-up vegetables into the stew. Cover and allow it to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8
Finally, stir in the raisins, allowing them to warm through. Serve your Moroccan Beef Tagine hot over a bed of fluffy couscous, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Spiced Beef Tagine?
It is a sumptuous Moroccan stew featuring tender beef simmered for hours with vibrant vegetables, fragrant North African spices, and sweet raisins, typically served over couscous.
What cut of beef is best for this tagine?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 lbs of top sirloin steak or top round beef, cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
How long does the beef need to simmer?
The beef should be simmered on low heat for about 90 minutes before the vegetables are added.
Which spices give this dish its Moroccan flavor?
The flavor profile comes from a blend of ground cumin, cinnamon, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and a bay leaf.
Is the Moroccan Spiced Beef Tagine spicy?
The dish has a mild heat from 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is balanced by the sweetness of the raisins and cinnamon.
What vegetables are recommended for this recipe?
You can use 8 cups of assorted vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers.
Do I need a special tagine pot to make this?
No, you can easily prepare this recipe using a large saucepan or a Dutch oven.
Why is the beef coated in flour before cooking?
Coating the beef in flour helps achieve an even brown layer during searing and eventually helps thicken the stew's sauce.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
The tagine is traditionally served hot over a bed of fluffy couscous and can be garnished with fresh herbs.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, while the recipe calls for fat-free chicken broth, beef broth can be used as a substitute for a deeper flavor.
How much vegetable oil is needed for browning?
You will need 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, divided into two parts to sear the beef in batches.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Once the beef is tender, add the vegetables and simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until they are tender.
When should the raisins be added?
The raisins should be stirred in at the very end of the cooking process, just long enough to warm them through.
What should I do if the broth gets too thick while simmering?
If the liquid reduces too much, simply add more broth or water as required to maintain the desired consistency.
How should I cut the onion for this recipe?
The recipe suggests cutting one medium onion into small wedges.
How long does it take to sear the beef?
Each batch of beef cubes should be seared for approximately 10 minutes until browned on all sides.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, but fresh grated ginger could be used as a substitute for a more pungent flavor.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses lean beef, fat-free broth, and a large quantity of fiber-rich vegetables, making it a nutritious dinner option.
What amount of raisins is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of raisins to provide a sweet contrast to the savory spices.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, tagines and stews often taste even better the next day as the spices have more time to meld together.
How many cups of vegetables are used?
This recipe utilizes a generous 8 cups of assorted cut-up vegetables.
What is the heat setting for browning the meat?
The beef should be seared over medium-high heat to ensure a good crust and browning.
Can I substitute the raisins with another dried fruit?
Yes, dried apricots or prunes are common Moroccan substitutes that would work well in this beef tagine.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, because it uses 2 tablespoons of flour to coat the beef and is served with couscous, which contains gluten.
How much cumin is in the spice mix?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes or squash?
While not explicitly stated, it is generally recommended to peel butternut squash and sweet potatoes for a better texture in a slow-cooked stew.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The total simmering time is approximately 105 minutes (90 minutes for the beef and 15 minutes for the vegetables).
Can I omit the cinnamon if I don't like sweet spices?
Cinnamon is a key component of Moroccan cuisine, but you can reduce the amount or omit it if you prefer a strictly savory profile.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, 1 1/2 lbs of beef and 8 cups of vegetables typically serve 4 to 6 people.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed oil, will work for browning the beef.