Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Olives and Preserved Lemons

Introduction

Moroccan chicken tagine is one of the most beloved dishes in Morocco, embodying the perfect balance of aromatic spices, tender chicken, tangy preserved lemons, and briny green olives. Cooked slowly in a traditional tagine pot, this dish is a reflection of Morocco’s rich culinary heritage. With each bite, you’re taken on a flavorful journey that has been passed down through generations. It’s a dish commonly served during family gatherings or special occasions and is best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients (Serves 6 people)

1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces

2 preserved lemons, rinsed and quartered

150g green olives

2 large onions, finely chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cinnamon stick

1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

1.5 cups water

Méthode de préparation

1

Prepare the Chicken:

  • In a large bowl, rub the chicken pieces with a mixture of salt, pepper, cumin, ginger, turmeric, paprika, and saffron (if using). Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to infuse into the meat.
2

Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large tagine pot or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent.
3

Add the Chicken:

  • Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the spices coat the chicken thoroughly.
4

Add Water and Spices:

  • Pour in 1.5 cups of water and add the cinnamon stick. Stir well, then cover the tagine with its lid (or the pot with a tight-fitting lid) and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 40-45 minutes.
5

Add the Preserved Lemons and Olives:

  • After 40 minutes, add the quartered preserved lemons and green olives to the pot. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6

Garnish and Serve:

  • Once cooked, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the chicken tagine. Serve hot with crusty bread or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Time Required

  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour
  • Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Servings

  • This recipe serves 6 people, perfect for a family meal or gathering.

Additional Tips

  • If you don’t have preserved lemons, you can make your own by soaking fresh lemon slices in salt and lemon juice for a week or more. However, store-bought preserved lemons work well too.
  • For added depth of flavor, you can let the chicken marinate overnight in the spices.
  • Serve this dish with couscous or fresh Moroccan bread (khobz) to make it a full Moroccan meal.
  • You can adjust the amount of olives and preserved lemons to your taste, depending on how much briny flavor you prefer.

Conclusion

  • This traditional Moroccan chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemons is a perfect dish to transport you to the vibrant markets and kitchens of Morocco. With its tender chicken, tangy lemons, and briny olives, every bite bursts with flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring a taste of Moroccan hospitality and warmth to your table. Enjoy this savory and satisfying meal with family and friends!

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