Description
Moroccan Beef Stew with Dates and Apricots is a savory and slightly sweet stew, a signature dish of Moroccan cuisine. The combination of rich spices such as cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric, paired with dried fruits like dates and apricots, gives this dish its signature flavor profile. The dish is often served over couscous or rice, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Ingredients
For the stew:
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2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground coriander
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon turmeric
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup beef broth
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1 cup diced tomatoes
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½ cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped
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½ cup dried apricots, chopped
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1 tablespoon honey
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½ cup toasted almonds (for garnish)
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which will take about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step enhances the overall flavor by releasing the natural sweetness of the onion and garlic.
Now, stir in the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant. This is an important step to develop the flavor foundation of your stew.
Return the browned beef to the pot, and add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, dates, apricots, and honey. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. The stew is ready when the beef becomes tender and the flavors have melded together.
Before serving, sprinkle the stew with toasted almonds and chopped fresh cilantro for added texture and freshness. The final touch brings a vibrant contrast to the rich stew. Serve it over couscous or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, try toasting the spices briefly before adding them to the stew. You can also add a touch of harissa for gentle heat or garnish with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro for a beautiful finish. Serve over couscous or warm flatbread to soak up every bit of the rich, sweet-savory sauce!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Keywords: The Ultimate Guide to Making Moroccan Beef Stew