Discover the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine with Tanjia, a classic slow-cooked dish from Marrakech. This recipe features tender beef or lamb simmered with garlic, preserved lemons, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting and exotic meal, Tanjia offers a taste of Morocco right in your kitchen. Learn how to prepare this traditional dish with our easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs beef or lamb, cut into chunks

- 6 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 preserved lemons, quartered

- 2 tbsp ground cumin

- 1 tbsp ground coriander

- 1 tbsp paprika

- 1 tsp ground ginger

- 1 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1/2 tsp turmeric

- 1/2 tsp black pepper

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 1 cup water

- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat: In a large bowl, mix the beef or lamb chunks with minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Rub the spices into the meat thoroughly.

Combine Ingredients: Place the seasoned meat into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a tagine if you have one. Add the quartered preserved lemons and pour in the olive oil. Stir to combine.

Cook the Tanjia: Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked. If using a tagine, you can also cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for the same amount of time.

Serve: Once the meat is tender and infused with the flavors of the spices and preserved lemons, transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

Enjoy: Serve your Tanjia with traditional Moroccan bread or couscous for a complete meal.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Enjoy a delicious taste of Morocco with this authentic Tanjia recipe!

Nutritional values

Here’s the nutritional information and benefits for the ingredients used in this dish:

2 lbs beef or lamb, cut into chunks

 - Calories: Approximately 1,600 kcal (based on lean cuts)

 - Protein: 160g

 - Fat: 112g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - High in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Provides iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

6 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: Approximately 27 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

2 preserved lemons, quartered

 - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Sugars: 1g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a unique tangy flavor. Preserved lemons offer vitamin C and aid in digestion.

2 tbsp ground cumin

 - Calories: Approximately 16 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.8g

 - Fat: 0.8g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and provides antioxidants and vitamins. Aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

1 tbsp ground coriander

 - Calories: Approximately 5 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

1 tbsp paprika

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds color and flavor. Provides antioxidants, including vitamin A.

1 tsp ground ginger

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, spicy flavor. Provides anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

1 tsp ground cinnamon

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and warmth. Provides antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar.

1/2 tsp turmeric

 - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

1/2 tsp black pepper

 - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and flavor. Enhances the absorption of nutrients and has antioxidant properties.

1/2 tsp salt

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Sodium: Approximately 1,150 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor. Sodium is essential for fluid balance but should be used in moderation.

1/4 cup olive oil

 - Calories: Approximately 480 kcal

 - Fat: 54g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health.

1 cup water

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Hydrates and helps with cooking. Essential for maintaining bodily functions.

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

 - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh flavor and contains vitamins A, C, and K. Provides antioxidants.