Chicken and Vegetable Tagine

This classic Moroccan dish combines tender chicken with a medley of vegetables like carrots and potatoes, all simmered in a spiced sauce. It’s hearty, healthy, and full of aromatic flavors, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the tagine:
  • 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on or skinless)
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, finely sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Other ingredients:
  • 1 cup chicken stock or water
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • A handful of green olives (optional)
  • 1 preserved lemon, quartered (optional, for authentic flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin and paprika.
   • In a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sear the Chicken
   • Add the chicken pieces to the tagine and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
   • In the same tagine, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Layer the Ingredients
   • Arrange the potatoes, carrots, and chicken in the tagine. Sprinkle the remaining spices over the layers.
5. Add Liquid and Simmer
   • Pour the chicken stock (or water) and lemon juice over the mixture. Add preserved lemon and olives if using.
   • Cover the tagine with its lid (or pot with a tight-fitting lid) and reduce the heat to low.
6. Cook Slowly
   • Allow the tagine to simmer for 45-60 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid. Add a little water if necessary. The chicken should be tender, and the vegetables cooked through.
7. Serve
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the tagine directly from the cooking vessel with warm Moroccan bread or over a bed of fluffy couscous.
• A side of fresh salad, like Moroccan cucumber and tomato salad, complements the dish beautifully.

This Chicken and Vegetable Tagine is a one-pot meal that’s comforting, nutritious, and bursting with Moroccan flavors.