Tagine with peas, preserved lemon and olives

This is a fresh spring dish full of Moroccan flavours, and goes equally well with beef or lamb.

1kg (2lb) lean lamb or beef, cubed 2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 onion chopped Salt and pepper 1 tsp ground ginger Pinch of chilli powder, optional 1/4 tsp of saffron threads, lightly crushed 1kg (2lb) fresh peas, shelled weight 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander Peel of 1 preserved lemon, cut into pieces 12 green olives

1. Put the meat in the pot with the oil, onion, salt and pepper, ginger, chilli and saffron.

2. Cover with water and cook covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the meat is very tender, adding water to keep it covered in the sauce.

3. Add the preserved lemon peel and olives and cook uncovered for 10 minutes or longer, until the sauce reduced.

4. Add the peas and coriander, and warm through.

5. Serve with bread or couscous.

Pre-heat oven to 180C (gas mark 4).  Serves 6-8.

printed from www.maroque.co.uk