Moroccan Lamb with Tabbouleh and Crispy Garlic
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This aromatic Moroccan lamb with tabbouleh and crispy garlic is a sophisticated high-protein dish that marries tender, slow-cooked meat with the bright, zesty notes of a classic herb salad. By braising the lamb in red wine and aromatics, the meat develops a deep, savoury character that provides a wonderful contrast to the chilled, lemon-scented bulgur wheat. The addition of paper-thin, golden garlic chips adds a satisfying crunch and a punch of toasted flavour to every bite.
Ideal for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent meal, this recipe is perfect for prep-ahead entertaining or a weekend treat. The lamb can be cooked in advance, allowing the flavours to mature, while the fresh tabbouleh provides a hit of vitamin-rich parsley and tomatoes. Serve this as a light main course or a substantial starter to impress guests with its balance of textures and traditional Middle Eastern-inspired flavours.
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Ingredients for Moroccan Lamb with Tabbouleh and Crispy Garlic
120ml bulgur
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons finely chopped flatleaf parsley
2 tablespoons finely diced tomato
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
450g lamb shank or shoulder
130g chopped onions
70g chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 cups dry red wine
Vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced paper thin
How to make Moroccan Lamb with Tabbouleh and Crispy Garlic
Back to contentsAdd the bulgur to a large pot of lightly salted boiling water. Reduce the heat and simmer the bulgur for 10 to 12 minutes or until just tender. Drain the bulgur in a colander. Allow to cool and then transfer to a small shallow bowl.
Add the lemon juice, parsley, tomato, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and toss until all the grains are coated with the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate.
Preheat the oven to 177°C.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed casserole or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is almost smoking, add the lamb and sear for 8 to 12minutes or until nicely browned on all sides.
While the lamb is browning, add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pan along with the thyme. Stir the vegetables occasionally.
Add the red wine and cook until reduced to a few tablespoons. Add enough water to cover the lamb and bring to a boil, stirring the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to dissolve any browned solids into the liquid.
Remove from the heat and cover the casserole with a tight-fitting lid. Place in the centre of the oven and cook for 1 hour or until the meat is tender and almost falling off the bone. Set aside and allow to cool. When cool, refrigerate the lamb until serving. Discard the vegetables and herbs.
Pour the vegetable oil into a small, deep saucepan to a depth of 1H inches. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 163°C.
Fry the garlic slices in the oil for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden. Watch carefully because they fry very quickly. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain. Transfer to a flat plate, season with salt, and allow to cool completely. As they cool, the fried garlic slices will become very crispy.
To serve, pull or cut the meat from the bone and cut into small pieces. Place some of the tabbouleh on each of 6 small plates along with some of the lamb. Top each serving with crispy garlic.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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