Cook the classical Moroccan tajine: Chicken with olives and candied lemon

Cooking a classic Moroccan tajine with chicken, olives, and candied lemon is a flavorful and aromatic experience. Heres a step-by-step guide to prepare this traditional dish:

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

- 2 preserved (candied) lemons, cut into quarters

- 1 cup green olives, pitted

- 2 large onions, finely sliced

- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tsp ground ginger

- 1 tsp ground turmeric

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed

- 1 cinnamon stick

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- A pinch of saffron threads (optional)

- 3 tbsp olive oil

- 1 cup chicken broth or water

- A handful of fresh cilantro and parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

- In a large bowl, combine the ground ginger, turmeric, cumin, paprika, crushed coriander seeds, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the spice mixture. Let it marinate for at least one hour or overnight for a deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Tajine:

- Heat the olive oil in a large tajine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

- In the same pot, add the sliced onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and soft.

4. Add Aromatics:

- Stir in the saffron threads (if using) and add the cinnamon stick.

5. Simmer the Tajine:

- Return the chicken pieces to the pot, arranging them over the onions. Pour in the chicken broth or water, making sure the liquid covers the chicken partially. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Cook Slowly:

- Cover the tajine with its lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for about 45-60 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid hasn’t reduced too much; add a little more water if necessary.

7. Add Olives and Candied Lemons:

- About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the green olives and candied lemon quarters. Stir gently to combine.

8. Garnish and Serve:

- Once the chicken is cooked and the flavors have melded together, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and parsley before serving.

9. Serve the Tajine:

- Serve the chicken tajine hot, along with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Enjoy this aromatic and savory Moroccan dish, which is a delightful blend of spices, tangy lemons, and briny olives, creating a taste sensation that transports you to North Africa.