EASY LAMB AND SQUASH TAGINE

Easy Lamb and Squash Tagine image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 2h30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cinnamon sticks
2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup pitted dried plums (prunes)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup whole-wheat couscous, prepared according to package instructions

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, toss lamb with flour; season with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven or other large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (at least 5 quarts), heat oil over medium-high. In two batches, cook lamb until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch; transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium, add onion, garlic, and tomato paste to pot; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion has softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cinnamon sticks, 4 cups water, and reserved lamb (with any juices that have accumulated); bring to a boil.
Cover pot and transfer to oven; cook until lamb is just tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add squash, return to oven, and cook until squash is tender, about 30 minutes more. Remove cinnamon sticks, stir in dried plums, and season with salt and pepper. Serve with cilantro and couscous.