Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 preserved lemon, pulp removed and rind chopped
- 1/2 cup green olives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Tajine or a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In a tajine or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the ground ginger, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and saffron threads. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the water, chopped preserved lemon rind, and olives. Stir to combine.
7. Return the chicken to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the sauce.
8. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 600mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breasts or drumsticks.
- Green olives can be substituted with black olives or capers.
- Saffron threads can be substituted with turmeric.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the tajine for a heartier meal.
- Substitute preserved lemon with fresh lemon zest and juice.
- Add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding it back to the pot to ensure a crispy skin.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- To make the tajine spicier, add more cayenne pepper or harissa paste.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tajine in a pot over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tajine in the traditional tajine dish with a side of couscous or bread.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
Pair with a Moroccan mint tea or a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with couscous, quinoa, or bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken from the pot and simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens.
- If the chicken is not cooked through, continue to simmer until it is tender.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Tajine is a traditional Moroccan dish named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in. It is typically made with meat, vegetables, and spices.
Flavor profiles:
This tajine is savory and slightly tangy from the preserved lemon, with warm spices like cinnamon and cumin.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tajine with a side of couscous or bread for a complete meal.
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Region: Moroccan