Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Tajine or large heavy-bottomed pot with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in the tajine or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add ginger, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Add chopped apricots and sliced almonds to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Return chicken to the pot, cover with the lid, and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning chicken and sautéing onion and garlic. Simmer over low heat for cooking the tajine.
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 400
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks.
- Dried apricots can be substituted with dried figs or prunes.
- Sliced almonds can be substituted with chopped pistachios or walnuts.
Variations:
- Add 1 cup of chickpeas or 1 cup of diced potatoes to the tajine for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute chicken with lamb or beef for a heartier dish.
- Add 1 tbsp of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter tajine.
Tips and tricks:
- Brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Soak the dried apricots in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping to soften them.
- Serve the tajine with couscous or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage instructions:
Refrigerate leftover tajine in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat tajine in a pot over low heat until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tajine in the tajine pot itself for an authentic presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Pairings:
- Serve with couscous or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with a side salad of mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette.
Suggested side dishes:
- Couscous or rice
- Mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tajine is too dry, add more chicken broth or water.
- If the tajine is too watery, remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover tajine in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Tajine is a traditional Moroccan dish that is named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in. It typically consists of meat, vegetables, and spices cooked slowly over low heat to create a flavorful stew.
Flavor profiles:
The chicken and apricot tajine is a sweet and savory dish with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cumin. The dried apricots add a fruity sweetness while the sliced almonds provide a nutty crunch.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tajine with couscous or rice and a side salad for a complete meal.
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Region: Moroccan