INGREDIENTS:
- 2 lbs (900 g) meat (lamb or beef), cut into large chunks
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins
- 1/4 cup (50 g) blanched almonds
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads, crumbled (optional)
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or beef broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Marinate the Meat:
- In a large bowl, combine the meat chunks with the minced garlic, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and saffron threads (if using). Mix well to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Cook the Tajine:
- Heat the olive oil in a large tajine pot or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the marinated meat to the pot, searing the meat on all sides until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and water, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
3. Prepare the Raisins:
- While the meat is cooking, soak the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey over medium heat. Add the raisins and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are caramelized and coated with honey. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Almonds:
- Toast the blanched almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
5. Combine and Finish:
- Once the meat is tender, add the caramelized raisins to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the toasted almonds to the tajine.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
- Garnish the Meat Tajine with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. It pairs well with couscous, rice, or flatbread.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 16 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
Note: For more specific results, please provide detailed information about the food item, including brand names or cooking methods.
How to Buy Good Veal and Its Benefits
Selecting High-Quality Veal:
Veal is typically obtained from calves slaughtered in their early months (not less than two months old), ensuring the meat's tenderness and cohesion. Avoid veal from calves older than a year, as their meat becomes tough and their tissues coarse.
When purchasing veal:
- Aroma: Ensure the veal has a fresh aroma.
- Color: The meat should be a bright red color.
- Fat: The fat should be white and free of any blemishes.
Nutritional Benefits of Veal Consumption:
- Rich in Protein: Veal is abundant in proteins essential for tissue building, bone formation, and energy provision.
- Vitamin B: Veal is a rich source of vitamin B, which combats fatigue and exhaustion. It also promotes heart and cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
- Vitamin B6: Veal provides vitamin B6, which energizes the body.
- Vitamin B12: Veal contains vitamin B12, crucial for brain, memory, and nerve health. It also protects against anemia.
- Other Vitamins: Veal offers vitamin D, essential for bone and teeth health, and vitamin C, which boosts immunity, fights viruses and diseases, lowers cholesterol, protects against atherosclerosis, and combats cancer.
- Low-Fat Content: Veal's low-fat content makes it healthier than other meats.
- Anti-Aging Properties: Veal aids in anti-aging and blood clotting prevention. The selenium it contains helps fight colon cancer.
- Immune System Enhancement: Veal strengthens the immune system, regulates blood sugar levels, accelerates wound healing, prevents urinary tract stones, and promotes reproductive health.
- Mood Regulation: Veal helps improve mood and alleviate depression and stress.
Potential Adverse Effects of Excessive Veal Consumption:
While veal offers numerous benefits, overconsumption can lead to constipation, indigestion, potential high blood pressure, heart and liver damage, and disruption of blood sugar regulation.
Recommendation:
Consume veal in moderation to prevent the aforementioned health issues.
