Ingredients

1 teaspoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon coriander seed
1 onion , chopped
3 garlic cloves , chopped
1 bunch flat leaf parsley , trimmed and roughly chopped
1 bunch cilantro , trimmed and roughly chopped
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon paprika
12 black olives , pitted and chopped
2 preserved lemons , chopped
olive oil
1/2 - 1 tablespoon cayenne
4 chicken legs
salt & freshly ground black pepper
7/8 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon cumin seed , dry-fried
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
salt & freshly ground black pepper
Chicken Charmoula is a Moroccan-inspired dish that has become popular all over the world for its bold and zesty flavors. Charmoula refers to a blend of spices and herbs that are pounded into a paste and used to marinate meat, fish, or vegetables. In this recipe, the charmoula is made with a mixture of cumin, coriander, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, olives, and preserved lemon, and is spread all over the chicken legs to infuse them with flavor. The chicken is then baked in the oven until golden and crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside. The dish is served with a refreshing yogurt dip that complements the spiciness of the chicken perfectly.

Instructions

1.In a skillet, dry-fry the cumin and coriander seeds until fragrant, then grind into a paste using a pestle and mortar.
2.Add the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground ginger, paprika, black olives, preserved lemons, olive oil, cayenne, salt and black pepper to the mortar and pestle, and pound everything into a smooth paste.
3.Rinse the chicken legs and place them in a large bowl. Spread the charmoula mixture all over the chicken, and marinate for at least 1 hour.
4.Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the chicken in a roasting tin and season with salt and black pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5.While the chicken is baking, mix the Greek yogurt, milk, dry-fried cumin seed, chopped cilantro, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Serve the chicken with the yogurt dip on the side.

PROS

Chicken Charmoula is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is full of bold spices, lemony tang, and rich yogurt dip.
It is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

The chicken is juicy and tender, and the spice mix adds a lot of depth and complexity of flavor.

CONS

This recipe requires some effort and time to prepare, as the spice mix needs to be hand-pounded and the chicken needs to be marinated for at least 1 hour.

Some of the ingredients may not be readily available in certain areas, such as preserved lemons and Greek yogurt.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chicken Charmoula is a low-calorie and protein-rich dish that is great for those who are watching their weight or trying to build muscle.
The dish contains a blend of spices that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika.
The chicken is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus.

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