Moroccan Lamb Tagine With Dates

Ingredients

• 2
  pounds 3 ounces tender lamb, or beef, cut into 2- or 3-inch pieces
• 2
  medium onions, grated
• 3
  cloves of garlic, pressed or finely chopped
• 1
  teaspoon salt
• 1
  teaspoon ginger
• 1
  teaspoon pepper
• ½
  teaspoon saffron threads , crumbled
• ½
  teaspoon turmeric
• ¼
  teaspoon white pepper, optional
• ¼
  teaspoon ras el hanout, optional
• 1
  cinnamon stick
• ¼
  cup olive oil
• ¼
  cup vegetable oil, or butter
• 2 ½
  cups water
• Small handful cilantro sprigs, tied into a bouquet
• 1 ½
  cups dates, such as Medjool
• 2
  tablespoons sugar, or honey
• 1 ½
  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1
  tablespoon toasted sesame seeds , optional
• Handful fried almonds, optional