Sweet Potato Tagine

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thickly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ras el hanout spice mix
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

• 1 (14 ounce)  can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron
• 7/8 cup water
• 1 1/2 ounces preserved lemons, finely chopped (optional)
• 4 1/2 ounces dried apricots, halved
• 4 ounces green olives, stones removed
• 1 1/2 ounces whole almonds
• 2 ounces cilantro

Directions

1. 1

   Heat a large, deep frying pan with a lid until hot. Add the olive oil, onions and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.

2. 2

   Add all of the spices and fry for one minute.

3. 3

   Add the sweet potatoes and stir well.

4. 4

   Add all the remaining ingredients, except the cilantro, stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. 5

   Chop the cilantro stalks, reserving the leaves for later, and add the stalks to the pan.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is just tender.