Something Like A Tagine

Recipe by KCS team

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

1 hr

Serves:

4 Servings

Level:

Intermediate

Something Like A Tagine" gets its name because we're not using a tagine pot. However, the flavours are just as authentic and delicious as any traditional tagine you'll taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 Whole chicken (around 1.2kg)

1/2 tsp turmeric

pinch of saffron

1/2 preserved lemon

1 large brown onion

150g green olives

1L chicken stock

Plenty of olive oil

Salt and pepper

For the Chermoula

2 bunches of fresh parsley

1 bunch of fresh coriander

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp turmeric

2 cloves garlic

3cm piece of fresh ginger

1/2 a large preserved lemon (pulp only)

salt and pepper

Method

Preparation: If you're unsure about jointing chicken, watch a quick YouTube video for guidance. Alternatively, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs (2 per person).

Step 1

Make the Chermoula: Roughly chop the parsley, coriander, ginger, and garlic, then bash them into a paste in a mortar and pestle. Add the remaining dry spices, lemon pulp, and olive oil, and continue pounding until it forms a paste.

If you don't have a mortar and pestle, finely chop the parsley and coriander on a chopping board. Grate the ginger and garlic into the mix, then gradually add the remaining ingredients, chopping and incorporating until it becomes a paste.

Step 2

Add the sliced onion to a deep pot and arrange it in a single layer. Sprinkle with turmeric and sauté for a few minutes.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces and cook for a few minutes, occasionally moving them around. Feel the rhythm and move along to this week's DJ mix!

Step 4

Add the chermoula to the pot, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated. Pour in the chicken stock, saffron, and half of the preserved lemon. Cover the pot with a sheet of aluminium foil, followed by the lid, to replicate the effect of a traditional tagine. Simmer for 30 mins.

Step 5

At this stage, vegetables such as carrots or potatoes should be added. Continue cooking until the chicken is tender, and everything is cooked through.

Step 6

About 10 minutes before serving, add the remaining preserved lemon and olives. Taste and adjust salt as needed.