Lamb tagine with preserved lemons, honey, and cilantro

A sensory journey to the heart of the Maghreb, this lamb tagine recipe on the barbecue fuses American smoking techniques with the warm aromas of Morocco. The lamb shank is first gently smoked at low temperature, then slowly braised with honey, preserved lemons, and oriental spices. The result is a tender, fragrant, and visually enchanting dish. This emblematic plate delights BBQ lovers as much as world-cuisine purists, transforming the barbecue into an instrument of slow, aromatic gastronomy.

📜 History of the Recipe

Tagine is a pillar of Moroccan cuisine, traditionally simmered in a conical clay pot. Here, the lamb shank is first smoked to capture the essence of American barbecue before being braised Maghreb-style. This culinary fusion embodies the spirit of Smokehouse: uniting tradition and innovation over wood fire.

⏱️ Preparation & Cooking Time

• 🔥 Smoking time: 3 hours at 225°F (110°C)
• 🍲 Final cooking time: 2–3 hours at 300°F (150°C)
• ⏱️ Total time: about 6 hours

🧾 Ingredients

🧂 For the Rub

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp Ras el Hanout
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tbsp ground anise seed

🍖 For the Tagine

• 1.8 kg (about 4 lb) lamb shank with bone
• 2 tbsp of the rub above
• 5 red potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• 5 preserved lemons
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 liter (4 cups) chicken broth
• 150 ml (2/3 cup) liquid honey

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Mix the rub ingredients and coat the lamb. Rest 2 hours in the fridge.
2. Preheat your grill for indirect cooking at 225°F (110°C). Smoke the lamb for 3 hours.
3. Raise the grill temperature to 300°F (150°C).
4. In a Dutch oven, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
5. Add smoked lamb and the remaining ingredients (potatoes, broth, lemons, honey, herbs).
6. Cover and braise on the closed BBQ for 2–3 hours, until the lamb shreds easily.

🍽️ Serving & Pairings

Serve this lamb tagine with fine couscous or homemade flatbread to soak up the honey and preserved lemon sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro at serving adds a bright note.

♻️ Diet Variations

• 🍯 Replace honey with agave syrup for a lower glycemic index.
• 🍋 Add dried apricots or figs for a fruity-sweet contrast.
• 🌶️ Spice lovers can add chili flakes to the broth.

🧬 Health Sheet – Cancer + Diabetes