Ingredients

4 chicken breasts , each cut in two
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 brown onions , cut into quarters
juice lemon
2 garlic cloves , crushed
1 teaspoon saffron thread
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 pieces preserved lemon rind , rinsed , 2 diced , 1 cut into thin strips
1 bunch coriander , freshly chopped
1 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
salt & freshly ground black pepper
4 potatoes
1 1/2 cups water
crusty bread , to serve
Chicken tagine with preserved lemon and potatoes is a traditional Moroccan dish that is cooked in a pottery tagine. Originating from North Africa, this dish is loved globally for its unique combination of spices and citrus flavors. The preserved lemon rinds add a tangy and zesty flavor, while saffron and turmeric impart a warm and earthy fragrance. It's a perfect winter warmer and a great hearty meal for sharing with family and friends.

Instructions

1.Heat the oil on medium heat in a tagine or heavy-bottomed pot. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown. Set aside.
2.In the same pot, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic, turmeric and saffron, stirring well.
3.Add the water, 2 diced preserved lemon rinds, half of the parsley and coriander, potatoes, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil.
4.Add the chicken to the pot and spread it out evenly so that it is covered by the sauce. Place the tagine lid on. Cook on low heat for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
5.Add the lemon juice and stirring gently. Top with the other half of the parsley, coriander, preserved lemon strips, and salt to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.

PROS

This chicken tagine is rich in protein, low in carbs, and extremely flavorful.
It’s a one-pot dish with tender chicken, soft potatoes, and a deep citrus flavor from the preserved lemon.

It’s suitable for freezing and reheating.

CONS

The dish requires a tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot and is cooked on low heat for a long time which may not be ideal for those in a hurry.

It also has a mild bitter taste from the preserved lemon that some may not enjoy.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
The Moroccan spice blend saffron and turmeric has been linked to numerous health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving brain function.
Lemon juice is also rich in vitamin C and good for the immune system.

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