**Moroccan Yogurt with Preserved Lemon Dip: A Culinary Journey to North Africa**
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure to North Africa with the tantalizing Moroccan yogurt with preserved lemon dip. This vibrant dip, also known as "Labneh bil Limoun," is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, captivating taste buds with its unique blend of tangy yogurt, aromatic preserved lemons, and a symphony of herbs and spices. Accompany your exploration with a trio of equally enticing recipes, including a classic Moroccan carrot salad, a refreshing cucumber salad with yogurt dressing, and a flavorful spiced lentil soup. These culinary gems, bursting with authentic Moroccan flavors, are sure to transport you to the bustling souks and vibrant streets of North Africa. Prepare to indulge in a delightful feast that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
MOROCCAN LAMB TAGINE WITH HONEY AND APRICOTS
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 12h10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 42
Steps:
- Cut lamb into 1 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium-sized bowl. Season the lamb with turmeric, ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Heat a tagine or Dutch oven over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and half of the seasoned lamb. Cook the lamb until browned on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the lamb from the pan and set aside. Repeat with remaining oil and lamb.
- Return the seared lamb to the pan and add the diced onions. Cook, stirring to get the browned bits off the bottom of the pan, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, saffron, and cilantro bundle and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the apricots and raisins and let sit for 20 minutes. Strain and set the fruit aside.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat, place it on a clean plate, and keep warm. Bring the remaining liquid in the pan to a simmer. Add the sliced onions, apricots, raisins, honey, cinnamon, ground pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Return the liquid to a simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until mixture is slightly thickened. Add the cooked lamb back into the sauce and cook to heat through, about 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs. Serve with Moroccan Vegetable Couscous and Moroccan Yogurt with Preserved Lemon Dip.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Toss the red pepper halves and onion quarters with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium bowl. Arrange pepper and onion, cut sides down, on a small baking sheet, drizzling any remaining olive oil onto the baking sheet as well. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the skin is browned and bubbly. Peel, seed, and dice the red bell pepper and dice the onion. Set aside.
- Rinse the couscous in a fine-meshed strainer under cold running water until completely soaked. Drain and place in a medium bowl. Allow couscous to stand and swell for 5 minutes.
- Arrange a vegetable steamer or other steamer insert with small holes in a large stockpot with water, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer. Bring the water to a boil and add the couscous to the vegetable steamer. Cover tightly and steam for 30 to 40 minutes, or until tender and fluffy. Remove from the steamer, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and fluff with a fork. Cover to keep warm and set aside.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and cauliflower, and cook until lightly brown and softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic, zucchini, tomatoes and juices, garbanzo beans, chopped red onion and bell pepper, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon and salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. Adjust the seasonings with the salt and pepper. Remove from the heat, stir in the parsley, and cover to keep warm.
- In a small skillet heat the butter over medium heat. When foamy, add the almonds and cook until toasted, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Arrange the couscous on a large serving platter and top with the vegetable mixture, tossing gently. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the top and serve immediately.
- Put the yogurt in a cheesecloth lined strainer over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight to drain.
- Put the drained yogurt in a medium bowl and stir in the cucumber, mint, and lemon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
MOROCCAN PRESERVED LEMONS
The lemons have to be cured for at least 1 month but then they will keep for many months in the fridge, where their flavor intensifies over time. They are preserved whole but only the peel is used in cooking, the flesh is discarded. If possible, use organic lemons.
Provided by gartenfee
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Pickled
Time P19DT17h12m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Scrub lemons thoroughly under cold running water. Cut each lemon into quarters, but do not cut all the way through the top, so that the lemon still holds together.
- Rub lemons generously with salt inside and out and along all the cuts. Place them in a large sterilized jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add lukewarm water to cover; the lemons should be fully immersed. Screw on the lid and let cure for 1 month in a dark, dry, and cool place.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 22.4 calories, Carbohydrate 12 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 1.3 g, Sodium 3800 mg
MOROCCAN YOGURT WITH PRESERVED LEMON DIP:
Steps:
- Put the yogurt in a cheesecloth lined strainer over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight to drain. Put the drained yogurt in a medium bowl and stir in the cucumber, mint, and lemon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
SPICY MOROCCAN YOGURT MARINADE OR DIP
This is such a tasty sauce! It's our favorite way to flavor baked salmon; the spices are wonderful and complex, and the yogurt makes the fish butter-tender! I always double this if I'm just cooking for the two of us, and save half for use as a dip with raw vegetables or grainy artisan crackers.
Provided by La Dilettante
Categories Southwest Asia (middle East)
Time 30m
Yield 4 salmon steaks, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Mix well and pour over salmon (or tuna). Let marinate overnight, and oven-bake or grill. Serve over cous cous of a rice pilaf.
PRESERVED LEMON DIP
Any kind of flatbread or crusty roll is perfect with this Moroccan concoction. You could also use the dip as a salad dressing or sauce for fish.
Yield Makes about 2 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Whisk first 8 ingredients in large bowl. Gradually whisk in both oils. Chill at least 2 hours or up to 2 weeks. Rewhisk before serving.
- Harissa paste, a spicy North African red chili paste, is sold at some supermarkets and Middle Eastern markets. If unavailable, substitute hot Thai-style chili sauce, such as Sriracha. Jars of preserves (brine-cured) lemons can be found at many specialty foods stores. If unavailable, substitute a mixture of 1/4 cup grated lemon peel, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon salt (let stand at room temperature for an hour before using).
Tips:
- Use thick, full-fat yogurt for a rich and creamy dip.
- If you don't have preserved lemons, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and cayenne pepper to your taste.
- Serve the dip with pita bread, crackers, or vegetable crudités.
- For a vegan version of the dip, use plant-based yogurt and omit the honey.
Conclusion:
Moroccan yogurt with preserved lemon dip is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its bright and tangy flavor, this dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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