Marrakech has one dish that they are especially known for – tangia. Not to be confused with tajine, this is truly special. On every food tour we try to take our guests to try this food. Of course vegetarians have to miss out but for everyone else this “man meat” as one person called it is out of this world.
Unlike tajines, tangia is cooked in an earthenware urn. It’s covered in parchment and slipped under the warm coals of the fernachi over night. In the morning it’s removed and the tender, falling off the bone meat is eaten by lunch. There’s no messing around with vegetables here – it’s just meat.
The history of this food is as interesting as it is tasty. In previous generations the men who worked in the artisan shops of Marrakech had Friday (the Muslim holy day) off of work in the afternoons. On Thursday it would be someone’s turn to collect the money from everyone to make tangia. This is one dish that men did typically make.
Whoever was in charge got the ingredients, put it together and delivered it to the oven. When Friday afternoon came, the men would pray the midday prayer and then go to a park or garden outside of Marrakech to eat, play music, and overall enjoy each other’s company.
All I know for 100% sure is that this is delicious. It’s worth the trip to Marrakech but if you can’t make it, you can make your own version at home. This recipe is for a pressure cooker as I know not everyone has a tangia pot at home. If you don’t have a pressure cooker you could try it in the slow cooker or cook on very low heat in a heavy duty skillet.
Marrakechi Tangia Recipe
This is THE dish of Marrakech. It's only made here but now you can make it at home too! Tangia is a really simple way to use tougher cuts of mutton and make something delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. lamb or mutton
- 2 tbsp garlic crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 pinch of saffron threads crushed
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 3/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 preserved lemon rind, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1-2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon smen, optional
Instructions
- In pressure cooker, add the olive oil and garlic while cooking on medium heat for about 3 minutes.
- Wash and trim lamb of all excess fat and add to the pressure cooker.
- Add all of the spices and preserved lemon, then mix around all of the ingredients so that the meat is covered with all of the spices.
- Next add the preserved lemon, smen and water. Just enough water should be added to barely cover the meat.
- If cooking on the stove top (not in a pressure cooker) add half the water and watch closely as you may need to add more.
- Cover the pressure cooker or skillet and cook on medium high heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour. (closer to 2 hours for the stovetop)
- Vent the steam and check to see if the meat is tender. It should be falling apart with a thick sauce reserved.
- If the meat is falling apart but there is a lot of liquid left continue boiling down the liquid.
- When finished turn out onto a plate and eat with crusty round bread or French baguettes.
Have you eaten tangia? What did you think?
Dave
Thursday 18th of January 2024
I purchased a tangia in morocco. Why not give instructions using the authentic pot? Well, at least using a standard oven.
Amanda Mouttaki
Tuesday 30th of January 2024
I haven't given those instructions because few people actually have the pot. I have never used one in a conventional oven because the temperatures get too high for the pot. I have found that cooking it in charcoal works best. If you really wanted to try it in a regular oven I would put it at the absolute lowest setting possible and plan to leave it for many hours.
Adrien
Saturday 2nd of July 2022
Hi! This sounds like a wonderful recipe to make, but I don’t have a pressure cooker. Could I make this in a slow cooker/crock pot?
Amanda Mouttaki
Friday 8th of July 2022
You can. I can't say exactly what ratios you would need because I haven't made it in a slow cooker, but I'd definitely reduce the liquid or be prepared to boil it down at the end.
Teal
Friday 7th of June 2019
I have not been to Maroc since 2012 but memories of starting the day with breakfast tagine are a mouth watering one. Would love the recipe.
Uli
Monday 27th of May 2019
2 years ago, I was for the first time in Marocco. Marakesch and Essaouira. It was fantastic. The was great and since this time I cook maroccan food. I love it. Shortly, I want to go back...Im looking forward.
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