Chicken Tagine Mchermel / طاجين الدجاج مشرمل - CookingWithAlia - Episode 409

saffron

💰Cheaper: turmeric

Turmeric provides color and flavor at a lower cost.

green olives

💰Cheaper: black olives

Black olives are often more affordable and widely available.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is a plant-based alternative, while chicken thighs are less expensive than breasts.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is a budget-friendly option.

Soak saffron threads in warm water for 10 minutes to boost flavors.

Quarter the preserved lemon, separate the pulp from the skin, and finely chop the pulp.

Finely chop the parsley and cilantro.

Grate the garlic cloves.

In a large bowl, combine chopped parsley, cilantro, chopped preserved lemon pulp, garlic, ground paprika, ginger, cumin, pepper, saffron water, and olive oil; mix well to create the charmoula.

Place chicken thighs in the charmoula marinade and massage into the flesh.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Peel and grate the onions, finely chop any leftover onion pieces.

Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of the tagine and cover with the grated onions; sprinkle a little salt and turmeric over the onions.

Add the marinated chicken over the onion bed and cover with any leftover charmoula.

Use a heat diffuser on low-medium heat, place the tagine on top, cover, and cook for around 15-20 minutes until the onions and chicken release their juices and the liquids start simmering.

Reduce heat to low, cover the tagine, and cook until the chicken is tender, which can take 1 hour or more depending on the chicken parts and quality of the tagine.

Add lemon juice and green olives to the sauce, and top the chicken with the preserved lemon skins.

Taste the sauce and add salt if necessary, waiting until the end to add salt due to the saltiness of the preserved lemons.

Do not cover the tagine, and continue cooking for another 15 minutes or so until the liquids have evaporated and the sauce has thickened.

Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary