Moroccan Lamb Shank with Couscous

Delight your taste buds with this Moroccan Lamb Shank with Couscous, a hearty, aromatic dish that’s perfect for special dinners or cozy nights in. Featuring fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks braised in a rich, spiced sauce with warm notes of cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, this recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Sweet dried apricots and tender chickpeas add a delightful contrast, while the fluffy, herb-infused couscous provides the perfect base to soak up the savory sauce. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and colorful presentation, this dish is as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you're hosting guests or treating yourself, this slow-cooked masterpiece will transport you straight to the bustling bazaars of Marrakech.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken or beef stock
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 14 ounces chickpeas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups couscous
• 2.5 cups boiling water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, ovenproof pot over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pot until browned on all sides. Remove the shanks and set aside.

Step 4

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, and turmeric to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, chicken or beef stock, and honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Return the seared lamb shanks to the pot. Cover with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Step 8

After 2 hours of cooking time, add the dried apricots and chickpeas to the pot. Stir gently to combine.

Step 9

While the lamb is finishing, prepare the couscous according to package instructions or as follows: Place the couscous in a large bowl, pour boiling water over it, and cover with a plate. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Fluff the couscous with a fork and fold in the butter, chopped cilantro, and parsley.

Step 11

Remove the lamb shank pot from the oven. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 12

To serve, place a generous scoop of couscous on each plate and top with a lamb shank. Spoon the sauce with apricots and chickpeas over the dish. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4175.9 grams (4175.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3313

Total Fat 149.10g	191%
Saturated Fat 48.10g	241%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.30g
Cholesterol 494mg	165%
Sodium 6774mg	295%
Total Carbohydrate 322.60g	117%
Dietary Fiber 58.50g	209%
Total Sugars 111.80g
Protein 178.40g	357%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 870mg	67%
Iron 42mg	236%
Potassium 6010mg	128%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.1%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 38.6%