Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Special equipment needed:
- Tajine or Dutch oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the olive oil in a tajine or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and raisins. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Stir in the parsley, cilantro, and mint. Serve with lemon wedges.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning the beef, then low heat for simmering.
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Total fat: 16g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 890mg
Total carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary fiber: 7g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef stew meat can be substituted with lamb stew meat or chicken thighs.
- Chickpeas can be substituted with white beans or kidney beans.
- Raisins can be substituted with chopped dried apricots or dates.
Variations:
- Add sliced carrots and potatoes to the tajine for a heartier meal.
- Use preserved lemons instead of fresh lemons for a more authentic Tunisian flavor.
- Add a pinch of saffron for a more luxurious flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Browning the beef before simmering adds depth of flavor to the tajine.
- Don't skip the fresh herbs at the end, as they add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
- Serve the tajine with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage instructions:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a tajine or Dutch oven over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tajine in the tajine dish itself for an authentic presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with additional chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Couscous or crusty bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tajine is too watery, remove the lid and simmer uncovered until the sauce has thickened.
- If the beef is tough, simmer for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour until tender.
Food safety advice:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef has reached an internal temperature of 145°F before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Food history:
Tajine is a traditional North African dish named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked. It typically consists of meat, vegetables, and spices, and is slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld together.
Flavor profiles:
This Tunisian-style beef tajine is savory and slightly sweet, with warm spices like cinnamon and cumin and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tajine family-style in the center of the table, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
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Region: Tunisian