Authentic Keleya Zaara Recipe | Tunisian Lamb Dish

Authentic Tunisian Lamb recipe — Keleya Zaara. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Keleya Zaara Recipe | Tunisian Lamb Dish

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Sear the Lamb

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes and sear until browned on all sides.

    Do not overcrowd the pot to ensure even browning.
  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

    Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Add Spices

    Stir in harissa paste, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

    Adjust harissa based on desired spice level.
  4. Combine Ingredients

    Add soaked chickpeas, broth, carrots, zucchini, and dried apricots. Stir well.

    Ensure all ingredients are submerged in liquid.
  5. Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the lamb is tender.

    Check occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid.
  6. Season and Serve

    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with couscous or bread.

    Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh spices for enhanced flavor. Let the dish rest for better flavor melding. Pair with a side of couscous or bread for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your tunisian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Authentic Keleya Zaara Recipe | Tunisian Lamb Dish is a beloved dish from Tunisian cuisine.

Tunisian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 14 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, beef or chicken can be used as alternatives.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates45gg
Dietary Fiber10gg
Total Sugars5gg
Protein35gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineTunisian
CategoryDinner