Traditional Moroccan chicken tagine with olives and salted lemons
Moroccan chicken tagine, a renowned dish in Morocco, varies in nomenclature across regions, reflecting local customs and traditions. While termed “qidra” in the Levant, the Gulf countries and the Arab Maghreb refer to it as chicken tagine. Despite subtle preparation differences, it universally stands out as a delicious and nutritious dish beloved by families. Here, we present a simple and easy-to-follow method for preparing this culinary delight.
Ingredients of Moroccan chicken Tajine
– Medium-sized chicken, cleaned and cut into ten pieces.
– Three medium-sized onions, finely chopped.
– Half a head of crushed garlic.
– Four potatoes, cut into medium-sized squares.
– Three peeled and sliced carrots.
– Three tomatoes, sliced into circular pieces.
– One teaspoon of saffron dissolved in a little warm water.
– A pinch of black pepper.
– Vegetable oil.
– Salt to taste.
– Tagine pot.
Preparation of Moroccan chicken Tajine
Place the tagine on the heat with a little vegetable oil. The tagine, a thermal clay dish with medium depth, can be substituted with non-stick cookware like Tefal or stainless steel if a traditional tagine is unavailable.
Stir the onions with oil until they slightly soften. Add crushed garlic and continue stirring until the onions and garlic acquire a light golden colour.
Add the clean chicken pieces, skin removed, to the onion and garlic mix. Stir well until the chicken turns white. Then, add saffron dissolved in water, stirring until the chicken gets a uniform colour.
Sprinkle black pepper and salt over the chicken, covering the tagine for five minutes.
Add the sliced carrots and potatoes, stirring, then pour a cup of water over them, stirring occasionally. Cover the tagine until the vegetables are cooked.
Place tomato slices on top with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the tagine simmer on low heat until the tomatoes soften without stirring.
Optionally, place the tagine in the oven to brown the top for a golden and appealing colour.
Garnish the tagine with slices of green and black olives and finely chopped parsley.
Serve the tagine hot with white rice.
Moroccan Chicken Tagine, a dish of simplicity and rich flavours, represents the heart of Moroccan cuisine. Easily prepared and enjoyed with minimal effort, it adds warmth and tradition to family meals, embodying the essence of Moroccan culinary heritage.
