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Mechoui (Morocco)

An authentic recipe for traditional Moroccan Mechoui, highlighting the rich, tender perfection of slow-roasted lamb infused with cumin and butter.

Level Medium Prep 30 min Cook 240 min Servings 8 Score 4.9/10
Ready in
270 min

Makes 8 servings

Prep 30m
Cook 240m
Level Medium

About this recipe

An authentic recipe for traditional Moroccan Mechoui, highlighting the rich, tender perfection of slow-roasted lamb infused with cumin and butter.

The ultimate Moroccan roast lamb, slow-cooked to perfection with butter, garlic, and aromatic cumin.

Ingredients

Main

Rub

Equipment

  • Roasting pan Large enough to fit the lamb cut
  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil For tight sealing during slow roast
  • Carving knife and board

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, cumin powder, salt, and paprika into a smooth paste.

  3. Rub the spice and butter mixture thoroughly all over the lamb shoulder, ensuring it is well coated.

  4. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and cover tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to trap the moisture.

  5. Roast in the oven for 3 to 4 hours, removing the foil for the final 30 minutes to let the skin turn golden and crisp.

    240 min
  6. Let the meat rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving with extra cumin and salt on the side.

Nutrition

Calories 450
Protein 35g
Carbs 1g
Fat 32g
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0g
Sodium 520mg
Serving Size 1 serving

Cooking Timeline

Prep 30 min
Cook 240 min
Total 270 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.4 /10
Expert 4.9 95% conf.
  • Taste 9.8
  • Presentation 9.2
  • Nutrition 7.5
  • Value 9.0
  • Instructions 9.5
  • Ingredients 9.5
  • Time Accuracy 9.2
  • Difficulty 8.0
  • Would Make Again 9.0

Expert Review

Verdict

A legendary Moroccan celebratory dish that delivers exceptional tenderness and rich, savory flavor.

Pros

  • Incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • Simple ingredients
  • Rich traditional flavors

Cons

  • Requires long cooking time

Overview

The ultimate Moroccan roast lamb, slow-cooked to perfection with butter, garlic, and aromatic cumin.

AI Insights

Summary

An authentic recipe for traditional Moroccan Mechoui, highlighting the rich, tender perfection of slow-roasted lamb infused with cumin and butter.

Tips

  • For a truly authentic touch, serve the carved lamb on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of cumin and coarse sea salt for dipping
  • Let the lamb rest adequately before carving to lock in all the natural juices
  • Use high-quality pasture-raised lamb for the best flavor profile

Substitutions

  • Lamb shoulder → Leg of lamb
  • Unsalted butter → Clarified butter (smne) for an authentic Moroccan flavor

Storage

Store leftover roasted lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pairing

  • Moroccan mint tea
  • Warm khobz (Moroccan flatbread) and roasted vegetables

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FAQ

What cut of meat is traditionally used for Mechoui?
Traditionally, a whole lamb is slow-roasted in a deep pit oven (four), but at home, a bone-in lamb shoulder or leg is ideal.
What is served alongside Mechoui?
It is traditionally served with simple sides like cumin and salt for dipping, along with Moroccan bread and mint tea.

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