Serves 6 – 8
For the spice rub
1 Tbsp. Ras el Hanout
1 Tbsp. Ground cumin
1 Tbsp. Cassia cinnamon
1 Tbsp. Ground ginger
1 Tbsp. Paprika
1 Tsp. Sea Salt
1 Tsp. Freshly ground Black pepper
1 1/2 lbs. Stewing Beef
Olive oil
1 Large Onion, peeled and finely chopped
A small bunch of fresh cilantro, leaves picked and stalks reserved
1 14 oz. Can Chickpeas, drained
1 14 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes
4 Cups Stock, Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable
1 1/2 lbs. Winter Squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
4 oz. prunes, roughly torn
2 Tbsp. Sliced Almonds, toasted
To make the spice rub:
Mix the Ras el Hanout, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl.
Put the beef into a large bowl, massage it with the spice rub, then cover and place into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and preferably overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, heat a several tablespoons of olive oil in a tagine or Dutch oven and fry the meat over a medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and coriander (cilantro) stalks and fry for another 5 minutes. Add the chickpeas and tomatoes, and 2 cups of the stock and stir. Bring to a boil, then put the lid on the pan or cover with foil and reduce to a simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
At this point add your squash, the prunes and the remainder of the stock. Give everything a stir, place the lid back on the pan and continue cooking for another 1 1/2 hours. Keep an eye on it and add a bit of water if it looks too dry.
Once the time has passed, take the lid off and check the consistency. If it seems a bit too runny, simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more with the lid off. The beef should be really tender and flaking apart now, so have a taste and season with salt if necessary. Scatter the cilantro leaves over the tagine along with the toasted almonds and serve with couscous and pita.
