It was a sunny day in late spring when my family and I decided to explore the bustling streets of Marrakech. The city was alive with color, the air rich with the aroma of spices and the sounds of vendors calling out their wares. We wandered through the narrow alleys of the medina, our senses overwhelmed by the heady blend of cinnamon, cumin, and paprika that seemed to dance on the breeze. It was here, amid the cacophony of sounds and the rainbow of spices, that I first tasted a traditional Moroccan beef stew—a dish that left an indelible mark on my heart and palate.
The stew was a masterpiece of flavors, a comforting blend of tender beef, aromatic spices, and sweet dried apricots that seemed to capture the essence of Moroccan cuisine. Each bite was a revelation, a melding of the savory and the sweet that spoke of the region’s rich culinary history. The experience was so profound that I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen, not just to relive those moments but to share them with others.
Back home, I set out to recreate that unforgettable dish. My Moroccan Beef Stew is a homage to that moment—an homage to the bustling souks, the tantalizing spices, and the warmth of Moroccan hospitality. The stew starts with searing beef cubes until they are perfectly browned, their rich flavor enhanced by a blend of spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. The addition of dried apricots and raisins adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory depth of the beef and vegetables.
Cooking this stew is like embarking on a culinary journey—each step, from sautéing the onions and garlic to simmering the stew with tender potatoes, is a step closer to a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. The final result is a hearty stew that not only fills the stomach but also warms the soul, evoking memories of distant lands and cherished family moments.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of Moroccan magic to your table, this Beef Stew is the perfect choice. It’s a dish that celebrates the richness of Moroccan cuisine and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
How to Make Moroccan Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef stock
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2-3 carrots, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
- 12-14 dried apricots
- 6 tablespoons raisins
- 8-9 baby potatoes, halved
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds chuck roast, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Directions
- Begin by rubbing the beef cubes with a blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes for about 10 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Add the diced onion to the pot, cooking until it becomes translucent, approximately 6 minutes. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the tomato paste into the mixture and let it cook for a few minutes until it darkens slightly.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes, beef stock, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add chopped carrots and chickpeas, cover, and continue simmering for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in dried apricots and raisins, combining thoroughly. If the sauce thickens too much, add about 1 cup of water to adjust the consistency.
- Simmer until the beef is tender and shreds easily, which may take up to an additional 2 hours depending on the size of the cubes.
- In the final 25-30 minutes of cooking, add halved baby potatoes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and enjoy this hearty Moroccan Beef Stew!
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Tips
For a richer flavor, use homemade beef stock. If you prefer a spicier stew, add a chopped chili or extra cayenne pepper. To thicken the stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew over couscous or rice to absorb the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can replace chuck roast with another cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as brisket or round. For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with hearty vegetables like butternut squash and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
Seasonal Variations
In winter, add root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. During summer, consider using fresh tomatoes instead of canned and adding zucchini or bell peppers for a lighter dish.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains no common allergens but check labels on spice blends to ensure they are free from allergens. Substitute the spices with allergen-free alternatives if needed.
FAQ:
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add more heat, include chopped fresh chili peppers or extra cayenne pepper in the recipe.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, other cuts like brisket or round can be used, but ensure they are suitable for slow cooking to achieve tender results.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
You can substitute chickpeas with lentils or another type of bean if preferred.
How do I adjust the stew for a larger or smaller group?
Simply adjust the quantities of ingredients proportionally based on the number of servings you need.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, freeze the stew in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What side dishes pair well with this stew?
Serve with couscous, rice, or warm crusty bread. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also complements the stew.
Moroccan Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef stock
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2-3 carrots chopped
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained
- 12-14 dried apricots
- 6 tablespoons raisins
- 8-9 baby potatoes halved
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds chuck roast cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
- Rub the beef cubes with the spice mix.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for about 10 minutes until browned on all sides, turning after 5 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a few more minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef stock, and remaining spices—paprika, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Mix everything well and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add the chopped carrots and chickpeas to the pot. Cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the dried apricots and raisins, ensuring everything is well combined. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water as needed (about 1 cup). Simmer until the beef is tender and falls apart easily, which may take an additional 2 hours, depending on the size of the beef cubes.
- In the last 25-30 minutes of cooking, add the halved baby potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Enjoy your flavorful Moroccan Beef Tagine!
