Crock-Pot Moroccan Lamb Tajine

A tajine ia a gently simmered Moroccan stew named for its clay cooking vessel.

Ingredients:

3 lbs lamb stewing chunks or lamb cubes for kabobs
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp each of ground cumin and paprika
1/2 tsp each of ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice and salt
1/2 tsp hot red chili flakes or 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 cups small chunks of carrots
3 cups large chunks of peeled squash or potatoes
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup pitted Moroccan green olives (optional)
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (optional)

To prepare:

Trim excess fat from lamb if needed.
Mince garlic and thinly slice onions.
In a Crock-Pot or other slow cooker, stir together garlic, onions, cumin, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, salt, chili flakes, carrots, squash, broth and olives (if using).
Add meat, cover and cook until meat is tender on high heat for 5 hours or on low for 9 to 10 hours.
Stir in chickpeas (if using) during last 15 minutes of cooking to warm through.
Serve over couscous, rice or with crusty bread.

Prep and cook time 5 1/2-10 1/2 hours
Provides 8-12 servings

*Optional substitute for ground spices TAVIA East African spice blend for an unique taste.