North African Chicken Tagine with Sweet Apricots and Crunchy Almonds

North African Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

North African cuisine is a symphony of rich flavors and exotic spices, and a Chicken Tagine is a perfect representation of this culinary tradition. This delectable dish combines the savory taste of chicken with the sweetness of dried apricots and the nutty crunch of almonds, all brought together with fragrant spices like saffron and cinnamon. Suitable for a sumptuous dinner for two, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to explore the wonders of North African cuisine. Bon Appétit!

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Intermediate

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 30 ml olive oil
• 0.2 grams saffron threads, soaked in 30 ml warm water
• 5 grams ground ginger
• 5 grams ground cinnamon
• 100 grams dried apricots, chopped
• 50 grams almonds, toasted
• 30 ml honey
• 5 grams ground coriander
• 5 grams ground cumin
• 300 ml water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Heat the olive oil in a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
• Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add them to the pot, skin-side down. Sear until the skin is golden and crispy, then flip and sear the other side.
• Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they are translucent and fragrant.
• Stir in the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Cook the spices for about a minute to release their aromas.
• Return the chicken to the pot. Add the soaked saffron along with the soaking water, the chopped dried apricots, and 300 ml of water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
• Stir in the honey and toasted almonds. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a garnish of fresh coriander, if desired.

Tips

• Ensure the saffron is of high quality to maximize the flavor and color in your dish.
• Soaking the dried apricots in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the pot can make them plumper and more tender.
• Pair this tagine with a side of couscous or a warm flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information