Main Course · Dinner · African ·

Exotic Tunisian Mloukhia Stew

Mloukhia is a luscious Tunisian stew made with spiced lamb, simmered to perfection in rich fenugreek-flavored sauce. It's a hearty and warm dish perfect for a cold evening.

4.4(303 reviews)
·By Troy·
Exotic Tunisian Mloukhia Stew — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
1 h 30 min
Cook
4 h 30 min
Difficulty
Advanced
Serves
6

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

  1. 1

    Combine Lamb and Spices

    In a bowl, combine lamb cubes with ground coriander, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and seasoning.

  2. 2

    Massage the Spices

    Massage the spices into the lamb until well coated.

  3. 3

    Chill the Marinade

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Mloukhia Paste

  1. 1

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pan, heat the olive oil over low heat.

  2. 2

    Add the Powders

    Stir in the mloukhia powder, ground fenugreek, and caraway seeds until well combined.

  3. 3

    Develop the Aroma

    Cook gently over low heat for about 5 minutes to develop the aroma.

    Tip: Do not burn the mloukhia paste, as it can turn bitter. Pro Tip: Use a non-stick pan to help prevent the paste from sticking and burning.

How to Make Exotic Tunisian Mloukhia Stew

Total time: 6 h · Yields 6 servings

  1. 1

    Brown the Lamb

    Brown the marinated lamb cubes on all sides in a heated pan with olive oil.

  2. 2

    Build the Stew Base

    In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent, then add the browned lamb and tomato paste.

  3. 3

    Simmer the Stew

    Add the mloukhia paste and stock to the pot, stir well, and let simmer on low heat for 3 hours.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I store leftovers?

    Yes, refrigerate the stew for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

    Can I use beef instead of lamb?

    Absolutely, beef chuck works well as a substitute.

    How can I make this dish less spicy?

    Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and omit the harissa paste.

    Can I prepare the mloukhia paste in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare and store it in a sealed container for up to a week in the refrigerator.

    Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?

    Substitute the lamb with chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian version.

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