How to Prepare Moroccan Tagine ?

 

Here's a simple recipe for a classic Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs and thighs work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2-3 preserved lemons, rinsed and quartered
• 1 cup green olives, pitted
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken:

   • Heat the olive oil in a tagine or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add Spices:

   • Add ginger, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged.
   • Add the preserved lemons and olives.

5. Simmer:

   • Cover the pot with the tagine lid or a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low.
   • Let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed.

6. Serve:

   • Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
   • Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips

• Preserved Lemons: If you can't find preserved lemons, you can substitute with fresh lemon juice and zest, but the flavor will be different.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and chickpeas for a vegetable tagine.
• Slow Cooking: Tagine can also be made in a slow cooker for an even more tender result.