Tagine with lemon

Tagine with lemon is a classic Moroccan slow-cooked stew, typically featuring tender meat (like chicken or lamb) or vegetables, preserved lemons, olives, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is named after the conical clay pot it's traditionally cooked in, which helps tenderize the ingredients and meld the flavors. It's a staple of North African cuisine, known for its bright, tangy, and savory profile.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally moderate in protein and fat, with carbs primarily coming from any added vegetables or a side like couscous. It's a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, especially if made with red meat, and provides a moderate calorie count, typically around 400-500 kcal per serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbs	15 g
Fat	32 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	850 mg
Iron	4 mg
Potassium	420 mg
Vitamin B6	0.5 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Zinc	3.5 mg
Niacin (B3)	8 mg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Selenium	25 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The use of preserved lemons is unique to Moroccan cuisine; they are lemons pickled in salt and their own juices, which softens the rind and creates a deeply savory, umami-rich citrus flavor that fresh lemons cannot replicate. Nutritionally, the slow-cooking method helps retain nutrients from the vegetables and spices.