Meat Shoulder with Onion and Raisins Recipe

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, and one dish that truly exemplifies this is the Moroccan Meat Shoulder with Onion and Raisins. This dish combines tender meat with the sweetness of raisins and the savory depth of caramelized onions, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and exotic.

Here's a simple recipe for Meat Shoulder with Onion and Raisins:

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs (900g) meat shoulder (beef, lamb, or pork), cut into large chunks
2 large onions, sliced
½ cup raisins
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the meat:

Season the meat shoulder with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the meat:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat chunks and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the onions and garlic:

In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until softened and lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Add the spices and raisins:

Stir in the cinnamon, cumin, and paprika. Then, add the raisins and stir everything together.

5. Return the meat and add broth:

Return the browned meat to the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Simmer the dish:

Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally, adding more broth if needed.