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Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 25 reviews

This Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew features tender chunks of beef chuck slow-simmered with fragrant spices, sweet dried apricots, and raisins, creating a beautifully balanced savory and sweet dish. Served over fluffy couscous and garnished with fresh cilantro, toasted almonds, and lemon wedges, this stew offers a comforting and exotic meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Aromatics

  • 3 lbs Beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 inch Ginger, grated

Spices

  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Liquids and Fruits

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups Beef broth
  • 1 cup Dried apricots, halved
  • 1/2 cup Raisins

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Cooked couscous, for serving
  • 1/4 cup Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup Sliced almonds, toasted, for garnish (optional)
  • 1 Lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, then remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking just until fragrant to build the aromatic base.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and optional cayenne pepper. Toast the spices for about a minute to release their flavors.
  4. Cook Stew: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, browned beef, beef broth, halved apricots, and raisins to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover and let cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
  5. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the stew hot over cooked couscous. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, toasted sliced almonds if desired, and lemon wedges for squeezing over the stew.

Notes

  • To enhance flavor, allow the stew to rest covered off the heat for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • For a thicker stew, uncover during the last 15 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid.
  • Use full-fat beef broth for richer taste, or substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter variation.
  • The cayenne pepper is optional; omit for a milder stew or increase for more heat.
  • To toast almonds, dry roast in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Keywords: Moroccan beef stew, apricot beef stew, dried fruit stew, couscous, spiced beef stew, North African cuisine

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/moroccan-inspired-beef-stew-with-apricots-and-raisins-recipe/