Lamb Tajine With Dates And Almonds

12 cutlets trimmed of fat

1/2 ts Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 ts Powdered saffron

2 Spanish onions finely chppd

30 g Butter cut in pieces

2 tb Honey

1 ts Ground cinnamon

2 tb Freshly chopped coriander

2 ts Lemon juice

40 g Fresh dates pitted

200 g Blanched almonds toasted

1 tb Sesame seeds toasted

Place cutlets in a greased tagine or ovenproof casserole. Add pepper, saffron, onion, butter, salt to taste and enough water to cover. Bring slowly to the boil, cover and simmer for 1.1/2 - 2 hours, or until lamb is tender, occasionally skimming any fat from the surface. Add the honey, cinnamon and coriander and cook for 5 mins longer, turning meat. Remove the cutlets from the dish with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Add lemon juice to sauce and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add dates and simmer, uncovered, for 10 mins, or until sauce is reduced and slightly thickened. Return meat to pan and cook until heated through. Sprinkle with almonds and sesame seeds.