Blue Apron ~ Spiced Lamb and Beef Tagine

Tonight's meal was the North African dish of Spiced Lamb and Beef Tagine with Lemon-Garlic Couscous and Labneh.  I am not a fan of lamb, but hadn't cooked in a long time, so decided to try this recipe.  Tagline is a traditional North African dish of ground lamb, vegetables and Medjool dates.  It was served on garlic-infused couscous.  It was delicious!

Served: June 5, 2016

5 Stars

Blue Apron ~ North African-Spiced Shrimp and Couscous.

North Africa has a diverse culinary tradition that blends European, Arabic and local influences.  This dish combined spicy shrimp, lemon, dates and couscous.  The Ras El Hanout gave this dish the punch.  Although kale is all the rage nowadays, I had never knowingly eaten it before.  Kale was wilted and combined with the couscous and carrots.  The spiced shrimp was placed atop.  The result was a marvelous meal.  Definitely a keeper.

5 Stars

Blue Apron ~ Merguez Lamb Sausages

Unfortunately this dish ~ Merguez Lamb Sausages with French Lentils, Mint and Feta was not a winner.  Granted, I am not a fan of lamb, but I thought the merguez lamb sausages sounded interesting.  They are originally from North African cuisine.  In fact, the name comes from the Berber word for sausage.  The sausages were served on a lentil dish, made with French green lentils, carrots, onion and garlic.  The dish was topped with fresh mint and feta cheese.

The lentil portion of the dish was very bland, despite being made with three clove garlics.  This dish could have used much more spice.

1 Star.

Blue Apron ~ Ras El Hanout Chicken Pitas

The North African-styled Ras El Hanout Chicken Pitas were served with a Cherry Tomato and Cucumber Tabbouleh Salad.  The cool Greek Yogurt and Cucumber sauce was a nice balance to the spicy chicken.  The Tabbouleh salad was delicious.

"Res el Hanout" is an Arabic term meaning "head of the shop."  Traditionally it was the shopkeeper's best spices of the day blended together.  Most blends of this spice include coriander, cumin, allspice, cardamon, ginger, turmeric and black pepper.

The Tabbouleh salad is made with bulgur wheat, which is a versatile grain made from Drurm wheat.  The word "Bulgur" is a Turkish word and is a staple in Turkish cuisine.

This was my hubby's favorite meal of the week.