Moroccan Style Lamb Turnovers Recipes

M'ROUZIA RECIPE - MOROCCAN CONFIT OF MEAT WITH RAISINS, ALMONDS AND HONEY

Steps:

• In a large container, mix the spices with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Brush the meat with this mixture and massage it well. Cover and refrigerate 6 to 12 hours.
• In a heavy-bottom pot or a dutch oven, add the meat, the onion, the spices, smen and about 1/4 cup of water. Place on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring a couple of times to rotate the meat, making sure that all sides have been immersed in the liquid at some point. At this stage, we are helping the meat to absorb as much flavor from the spices as possible so these first 10 minutes are important.
• Slowly add enough water to cover the meat, taking care to pour the water near the sides of the pot and not directly on the meat itself. (You don't want to wash off those spices.) Add the rest of the oil and bring the liquids to a simmer.
• Continue simmering the meat over medium-low heat for about two hours, or until the meat is tender. During this period, check the pot frequently to see if it needs more liquid and also to ensure that the meat does not stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.
• While the meat is cooking, place the raisins in a bowl and cover with cold water. Leave them to soak for at least an hour before draining and using.
• Once the meat is tender, add drained raisins, the teaspoon of ras el hanout, and the honey or sugar. Carry on cooking over medium-low heat while watching the process carefully.The sauce should be reduced and thickened after 20 to 30 minutes or so. No watery liquid should remain.
• The almonds can be prepped for garnish ahead of time or while the meat is cooking. Use one of the methods below.
• To Oven-Roast: Preheat the oven to 325° F (160° C). Spread the blanched almonds on a baking sheet and roast them for about 25 minutes, tossing them a couple of times. They should be roasted evenly throughout with a nice crunch and a golden color at the end. Adjust the time according to your oven in order to achieve the right texture and color.
• To Fry: Pour the oil in a small deep pan and wait until it's warm to start frying the almonds. Oil that is too hot will NOT achieve the desired outcome. Give a stir from time to time and fish all the almonds out once they turn lightly golden. Spread them on paper towels or a kitchen towel to git rid of excess oil.
• Always serve mrouzia hot. The meat is first placed in the center of a warm serving plate, topped with the confit of raisins and followed by any drop of that thick dark amber liquid. The dish is garnished with almonds. Some dried rose petals will nicely finish off the presentation.
• Keep mrouzia in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of weeks or in the freezer for months. It's advisable to divide the portions in different containers so It's easy to thaw them as needed. I also suggest you keep the almonds separately or fry them as needed. Garnish with them at the last minute.

MOROCCAN-STYLE LAMB TURNOVERS

Steps:

• Mix together the cumin, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and the spice mixture and continue to cook for another minute. Add the lamb and cook, breaking up any lumps with the back of a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and tomato paste and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the raisins, pine nuts, and cilantro. Taste for seasoning. Let cool and set aside.
• In a small bowl, beat together the egg and cream with a fork. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the puff pastry in half. Work with half of the dough at a time, while keeping the other half chilled. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough into a 12-by-15-inch rectangle. Cut into twenty 3-inch squares. Place a scant tablespoon of the filling in the center of each square. Brush the edges lightly with the egg wash. Fold each pastry into a triangle, enclosing the filling, and crimp the edges with a fork. Cut a small steam vent in the top of each turnover. Brush the tops lightly with more egg wash. Set on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
• Bake the turnovers until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.
• Make ahead: These can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, transferred to a freezer bag, and stored in the freezer for 1 month. They can be baked right from the freezer, adding 3 to 4 minutes to the baking time.