Ingredients

1 kg chicken thigh ( on the bone with skin )
3 medium brown onions , peeled & diced
1 -2 teaspoon crushed saffron threads mixed with a little water ( or 1/2 tsp fresh ground nutmeg )
200 -250 ml water
12 large rounds phyllo pastry
100 g gruyere cheese , grated ( or other hard cheese )
4 large eggs , beaten
salt & ground black pepper
250 g ricotta cheese , thinly sliced
2 egg yolks mixed with 1-2 tsp vegetable oil to glaze
vegetable oil , for frying & for brushing the pastry layers & dish
Tajine Malsouka is a traditional Tunisian dish that is commonly served during special occasions such as weddings and religious festivals. It is a type of tagine that is made with chicken and aromatic spices such as saffron. The use of phyllo pastry gives this dish a unique twist. It is often served with a side of couscous or rice and can be enjoyed as a main course for dinner or lunch. This dish is perfect for those who love savory and flavorful dishes.

Instructions

1.Fry the diced onions in vegetable oil until golden brown.
2.Add the chicken thighs with skin side down and season with salt and pepper.
3.Cook for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes. Add saffron threads mixed with water or fresh ground nutmeg and water. Stir well and let simmer for 25-30 minutes.
4.Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool.
5.Once the chicken has cooled, remove the bones from the meat and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
6.Preheat the oven to 190°C.
7.Lightly grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and brush one layer of phyllo pastry. Add another layer of pastry to cover the bottom and brush with a layer of beaten egg. Add another layer of pastry and brush with another layer of beaten egg. Repeat this process with two more layers of pastry until you've used all of the pastry.
8.Add the shredded chicken on top, followed by grated gruyere cheese and ricotta cheese slices.
9.Bake the pie in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
10.Allow the pie to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

Tajine Malsouka is a savory and flavorful dish that is perfect for dinner with friends and family.
The combination of chicken, saffron, and ricotta cheese creates a unique dish that will satisfy your taste buds.

CONS

The phyllo pastry used in this recipe is quite thin and can be difficult to handle.
Be sure to use a light touch when working with the pastry to prevent it from tearing or crumbling.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tajine Malsouka contains chicken, which is a good source of protein. It also contains saffron, which has been linked to improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression. The ricotta cheese used in this recipe is lower in fat and calories than other hard cheeses, making it a healthier addition to this dish.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.