goat Tagine

2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp ras-el-hanout spice mix
½ tsp saffron strands
4 tbsp vegetable oil
600g/1lb 6oz goat meat (a mixture of shoulder, neck and leg), cut into large dice
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 red chilli, stalk and seeds removed, chopped
4cm/1½in fresh root ginger, unpeeled, finely grated
1 cinnamon stick
1 x 400g tin tinned tomatoes
1 tbsp honey
125g/4½oz ready-to-eat dried apricots, roughly chopped
1 medium preserved lemon, skin only, roughly chopped
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
50g/1¾oz pistachios, roughly chopped
3 tbsp roughly chopped fresh coriander leaves
3 tbsp roughly chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
3 tbsp roughly chopped fresh mint leaves

  1. Mix together the cumin, turmeric, ras-el-hanout, saffron strands and 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil until well combined. Add the goat meat to the marinade and mix to coat the meat, then set aside to marinate for as long as possible (chill in the fridge if marinating for more than 30 minutes).

  2. Heat the remaining oil in a large flameproof casserole over a medium to high heat. Fry the onion, garlic, chillies and ginger for 2-3 minutes, or until just softened. Add the marinated goat meat and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until browned on all sides.

  3. Add the cinnamon stick, tinned tomatoes and honey and mix well. Pour in 200ml/7fl oz water and bring the mixture to the boil, then add the apricots and preserved lemon and mix well. Reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the goat is tender and the sauce has thickened, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

  4. Just before serving, stir in the chopped pistachios and herbs. Enjoy with seasonal greens and rice.