My Version of Ossobuco Tagine

Hey there mamas!

I don’t know about you, but in our family, we absolutely adore ossobuco for its sweet, honeyed flavor. It’s a bit more expensive than other cuts of beef, but it’s worth every cent—especially since the kids love it (even though they can be quite picky with other types of meat). That’s why we prepare it often in our household, experimenting with different styles and flavors.

Today, I’d love to share with you my version of ossobuco prepared as a Moroccan tagine. If you’ve seen my other recipes, you might have noticed that I’m often inspired by Moroccan cuisine—I just love its rich spices, bold flavors, and the warm, Mediterranean feeling it brings to the table.

This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. It’s comforting, flavorful, and the kind of meal that melts away the fatigue of a busy day. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• Ossobuco – between 500g to 1kg, depending on the size of your family

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• A handful of fresh coriander, chopped

• 4 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• ¼ to ½ of a medium-sized pumpkin, peeled and cubed

• 1 hot green pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

• Olive oil, for cooking

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ cup chicken or beef broth

Cooking Tip:

For best results, I highly recommend using a Moroccan tagine to prepare this dish. While you can use a regular casserole or Dutch oven, the flavor won’t be quite the same. The tagine allows the ingredients to slowly mingle and cook together, enhancing the depth and richness of the spices. That slow, gentle simmer is what truly brings out the magic in this recipe!

So dear friends, just like all the recipes I share with you on this blog, this one is wonderfully easy to prepare!

1. Start by preparing your tagine (or a regular casserole if you don’t have one—though the flavor won’t be quite the same).

2. Drizzle some olive oil into the base of the tagine.

3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh coriander, ossobuco, and spices (turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper). Mix everything well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.

4. Make sure the onions end up at the bottom—this helps prevent the meat from overcooking and sticking.

5. Layer the potatoes and pumpkin on top of the meat, arranging them so they cover it nicely.

6. Place the hot green pepper on top (if using).

7. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over everything, then pour in the broth.

8. Cover the tagine and cook slowly over low heat. You can start on medium heat until it begins to boil, but it’s important to reduce the heat afterward and let it simmer gently.

9. Cooking time will vary depending on your kitchen setup and the size of the ossobuco, but expect it to take between 1.5 to 2 hours.

And that’s it! You’ve just created a delicious, nutritious, and comforting family meal.

For a truly Moroccan experience, place the tagine right in the center of your dining table. Let the family gather around and enjoy the meal straight from the tagine, using fresh bread to scoop up all the goodness. Can you imagine a cozier way to end your day?

Love, Katerina