Ingredients

1/8 teaspoon saffron thread
2 tablespoons boiling water
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon paprika ( smoked Spanish style )
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3 chicken breasts , cut in half
10 chicken legs
1/4 cup olive oil
2 onions , sliced
3 garlic cloves , minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger , minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can plum tomatoes , lightly mashed with a potato masher
2 cups chicken stock ( gluten free if necessary )
1 can chickpeas
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pepper ( to taste )
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 bunch cilantro , leaves picked and chopped
1 lemon , thinly sliced
Chicken tajine is a classic Moroccan dish made in a special earthenware pot of the same name. This version uses a large skillet and the oven, but still incorporates all the traditional flavors and spices that make this dish so beloved. The tender chicken and plump chickpeas are simmered in a fragrant sauce made from onions, tomatoes, honey, and a blend of warming spices. Topped with crunchy sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and fill your belly.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in boiling water for 5 minutes.
2.In a large bowl, mix together the sea salt, smoked paprika, and ground cumin.
3.Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
4.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5.Add the sliced onions to the same skillet and cook until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and additional cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6.Add the mashed tomatoes, chicken stock, chickpeas, honey, lemon juice, and soaked saffron threads. Mix well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
7.Return the chicken pieces to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8.In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the dish and place it in the oven under the broiler for a few minutes, until the seeds are lightly toasted.
9.Serve the chicken tajine hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced lemons.

PROS

This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the blend of spices, and is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

With chicken and chickpeas, it’s also high in protein.

Saffron has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improving mood and reducing PMS symptoms.

CONS

This dish takes some time and effort to prepare, with several steps involved.

It does contain a fair amount of sodium, so those watching their salt intake may want to adjust the recipe accordingly.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chicken is a good source of protein and B vitamins, while chickpeas are rich in fiber, iron, and other minerals.
Saffron has been shown to have mood-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, and honey has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

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