October 14, 2022

Chicken Tajine, From Morocco To The World

Name: Chicken Tajine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1.3 Kg of chicken, cut into pieces (breast, thighs, and wings); 3 tablespoons olive oil (or whatever oil you have on hand); 1 large white onion, 150 g.; 2 large carrots, 300 g.; 2 large potatoes, 400 g.; 1 branch of celery, 25 g.; ½ cup of chicken broth, 120 ml; 1 cup of prunes, pitted, 100 g.; 1 cup of peach-dried apricots, 100 g.; 3 cloves of garlic; 1 tbsp of dried oregano leaves; 1 tbsp of dried basil leaves; 1 tbsp of curry powder; 1 tsp of garlic and ginger paste; Salt and pepper to taste

CHICKEN TAJINE, FROM MOROCCO TO THE WORLD

The tajine is a dish that belongs to the gastronomy of Morocco, which derives its name from the pot in which it is prepared. A clay pot has a particular cone-shaped lid, and one of its characteristics is that it retains heat. You can make chicken, calf, or vegetable tagine, depending on the taste of each person.

The tajine, a pot or a plate?

The tajine recipe derives its name from the container in which it is prepared. It is a pot made of baked clay, which can keep food warm. This characteristic is because the shape of the container makes the lid fit perfectly, which allows the food to retain its flavor even more. When buying your tajine you must cure it to be able to use it. One of the easiest techniques is to spread a little cattle fat and leave it in the oven for a few minutes.

In that sense, the chicken tagine recipe maybe something new for some people who don't know much about Middle Eastern cuisine; but you will be surprised how easy it is to prepare. For this, you only need to have availability and the desire to learn. The tajine dish is very varied, but always with the characteristic that its cooking is slow. The chicken takes on the flavor of all the ingredients, which makes it even more palatable.

Ingredients that cannot be missing in your tajine.

To make your chicken tagine, you must remember that the main thing is that the chicken retains the most flavors that the other ingredients give it. That is why your tajine must have the most essential seasonings to give a good flavor; like paprika, garlic, parsley, coriander, and chili. It is also important that you add potatoes, carrots, and a little olive oil; This will make your tajine even more delicious. Starting from there, you can add more ingredients of your choice, which help you better preserve the flavors.

10 tips to make the best tajine in the world.

Cut the chicken making small openings; this will make the flavor of the dressings permeate.
One day before making your tajine, place the chicken (already minced) with the dressings and a little olive oil in a container with a lid. If you don't have olive oil, you can use whatever oil you have in your pantry.
Take care that it is simmered to ensure that it does not overcook.
It can be very useful if you apply a little garlic sauce and soy sauce, it is the secret of many!
Try to keep the pot closed by avoiding opening it frequently.
You must calculate well the amount of oil or water that you are going to add so that the tajine recipe does not turn into a broth.
Keep in mind that mixing so many ingredients can make it a bit difficult for you to salt without going overboard, it would be better if you don't have enough.
Similarly, if you are going to use spicy or vinegar, you should know that the amount to use should be small. But always respect your preferences.
If you are going to include items such as oregano leaf or Spain celery, you have to place it on top a few minutes before turning off the heat. This is under how strong its flavors are; likewise, the pot of tajine will retain the flavor of both.
Do not forget that, for the best seasoning, the vegetables should be as finely chopped as possible. But you can also help yourself with the spices that you like the most.

Chicken Tajine

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

2 hours

Ingredients

1.3 Kg of chicken, cut into pieces (breast, thighs, and wings)
3 tablespoons olive oil (or whatever oil you have on hand)
1 large white onion, 150 g.
2 large carrots, 300 g.
2 large potatoes, 400 g.
1 branch of celery, 25 g.
½ cup of chicken broth, 120 ml
1 cup of prunes, pitted, 100 g.
1 cup of peach-dried apricots, 100 g.
3 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp of dried oregano leaves
1 tbsp of dried basil leaves
1 tbsp of curry powder
1 tsp of garlic and ginger paste
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

To prepare the chicken tagine you must cut the chicken making small openings, and there you are going to introduce the garlic and onion, previously minced. Then season them with curry, ginger garlic paste, plus salt and pepper. Leave it to marinate in a covered container overnight in the fridge.
The next day, peel the potatoes and carrots, and cut them into pieces of about three centimeters.
Place the chicken along with the potatoes and carrots in the tagine pot or whatever resource you have on hand. Add the prunes, the peach apricots, the broth, and the olive oil all at once. Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
Stir the ingredients very well and cook over low heat for a couple of hours; and when you notice that it is almost ready, you can place the oregano, the finely chopped celery, and the basil on top. After three minutes you must remove the oregano and celery. And now you have a delicious chicken tagine ready to serve!