MOROCCAN BEEF OR LAMB TAGINE WITH ARTICHOKES, OLIVES AND PRESERVED LEMON

Moroccan Beef or Lamb Tagine with Artichokes, Olives and Preserved Lemon image

Artichoke bottoms are paired with olives and preserved lemon in this delicious Moroccan tagine recipe.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 15

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Ingredients

1 lb. (about 1/2 kg) lamb or beef, or more if desired
1 medium onion, chopped
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 to 2 lb. (700 to 900 g) artichoke bottoms
1 preserved lemon, quartered and seeded
1 handful of red (violet) olives

Steps:

Cut the meat into 3" pieces. Wash, drain and place in a pressure cooker along with the onions, garlic, olive oil, parsley, cilantro, and spices (except for the saffron). Stir to mix well.Cook the meat over medium heat, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, stirring several times to turn the meat and brown it on all sides.Add about three cups of water, cover the pressure cooker, and increase the heat to high.
When pressure has been achieved, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 30 minutes.Release the pressure and add the saffron and artichoke bottoms. If necessary, add a little more water (the liquids need not cover the artichokes, but they all should be partially submerged). Cover, bring back to pressure and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the artichoke hearts are tender. (Larger artichoke bottoms will require the full 15 minutes; smaller ones a bit less time.)Release the pressure and add the preserved lemon and olives. Simmer, uncovered, for a few minutes until a rich sauce has formed.Serve with bread for scooping up the meat and vegetables.Tips for Cooking in a Clay or Ceramic TagineAllow 3 to 4 hours cooking time. Use a large onion rather than a medium-sized one. Mix the meat, onion, spices (including saffron), herbs and oil in a tagine and place on a diffuser over medium-low heat. Allow the tagine to heat slowly to a simmer, cover and cook the meat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown it.
Arrange the artichoke bottoms over and around the meat, add 2 cups warm water, cover and allow the tagine to return to a simmer. Cook for 2 1/2 hours, add the preserved lemon and olives (and a little more water if you think it necessary), and continue cooking for another 30 to 60 minutes, until the meat is tender enough to break apart with the fingers and the sauce is reduced and thick. Serve the dish directly from the tagine.