Moroccan vegetable tagine with chicken

 

A tagine is a Moroccan clay pot used for stewing and long slow cooking. While I don’t own a tagine, this tagine stew can easily be prepared in your kitchen with your favorite stew pot. It is so flavorful and satisfying, and comes together easily. The list of ingredients is long, but it is not that hard to prepare. A truly delicious and comforting dish is waiting for you to try it. This recipe is from a friend of mine. Enjoy!

Moroccan vegetable tagine with chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

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1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2″ chunks

1 red pepper, cut into chunks

1/2 pound of green beans, cut in half

1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

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1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon paprika

a dash of cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

dash of saffron (optional)

1 bay leaf

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1 cup white wine

2 cans chicken broth

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2 zucchini, sliced

1 can chickpeas, drained

handful of green olives

handful of golden raisins

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1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 cup frozen peas

juice of 1/2 lemon

salt and pepper to taste

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1 - 2 boxes of couscous (depending upon the size of your crowd)

bottled or homemade harissa (available in Middle-Eastern stores)

In a large pot, heat the oil and add the first group of ingredients. Saute about 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the second group of ingredients, then mix in the spices. Mix well, then add the liquid.

Cover the pot, and let it gently simmer 50 - 60 minutes, until the chicken and the vegetables are very tender. Add more broth or water as needed.

Add the zucchini and chickpeas, and cook till the zucchini softens. Then add the last group of ingredients. Let it all simmer a few minutes to heat the peas. Correct seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf.

Cook either one or both boxes of couscous. Serve the couscous on your plate, and top with the stew. Harissa on the side. Makes6 - 8 servings.