What is a Tagine?
If you’re not familiar with a tagine, it’s a North African dish that’s typically made with meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The dish is named after the earthenware pot in which it’s traditionally cooked. The pot has a conical shape that helps to circulate the steam and cook the ingredients evenly.
Why Use Pork?
When it comes to tagine recipes, you can use any type of meat you like. However, pork is a great choice because it’s flavorful, tender, and affordable. Plus, it pairs well with the spices and flavors typically used in tagine dishes.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients: – 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder – 1 onion, diced – 4 cloves of garlic, minced – 1 tablespoon of ground cumin – 1 tablespoon of ground coriander – 1 tablespoon of paprika – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon of ground ginger – 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper – 1/2 cup of chicken broth – 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots – 1/2 cup of chopped dates – Salt and pepper to taste – Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper. 2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a tagine or a large skillet over medium-high heat. 3. Add the pork to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. 4. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside. 5. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. 6. Add the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. 7. Add the chicken broth, apricots, and dates to the pan and stir to combine. 8. Return the pork to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. 9. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. 10. Cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened. 11. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with couscous or rice.
Variations
If you don’t have a tagine, you can use a Dutch oven or a slow cooker to make this recipe. Simply follow the instructions above, but transfer the mixture to a Dutch oven or slow cooker before covering and cooking. You can also vary the recipe by using different types of dried fruit, such as raisins, prunes, or figs. You can also add vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Pork tagine is a delicious and easy way to spice up your meals. With the right combination of spices and ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and see for yourself!