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MOROCCAN-STYLE CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE TAGINE WITH COUSCOUS

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MOROCCAN-STYLE CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE TAGINE WITH COUSCOUS

MOROCCAN-STYLE CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE TAGINE WITH COUSCOUS

A hearty, aromatic Moroccan-inspired tagine featuring tender chicken simmered with a medley of colorful vegetables and warming spices. Served with fluffy couscous, this dish is even better the next day as flavors meld beautifully.

🥣 Ingredients

  • 500 g chicken pieces (boneless thighs recommended)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large peeled tomato, diced
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 200 g zucchini, chopped
  • 150 g cabbage, chopped
  • 200 g kohlrabi, chopped
  • 150 g carrot, chopped
  • 200 g potatoes, chopped
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
  • 100 g green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups couscous (approximate, adjust per serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion and Brown Chicken
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot.
  • Sauté onion until soft and translucent.
  • Add chicken pieces and brown on both sides until color changes.
  1. Add Tomato and Simmer
  • Add diced tomato and cook for 10 minutes to develop a sauce.
  • Stir in turmeric, ginger, black pepper, chili powder, and salt.
  • Pour in 1.5 liters water and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
  1. Add First Batch of Vegetables
  • Add cabbage, kohlrabi, carrot, and green beans to the pot.
  • Cook for 20 minutes.
  1. Add Second Batch of Vegetables
  • Add potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini.
  • Simmer another 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
  • Adjust salt to taste.
  1. Rest and Refrigerate
  • Allow the tagine to cool and refrigerate if preparing ahead; flavors deepen overnight.
  1. Prepare Couscous
  • Cook couscous according to package instructions (roughly 1 cup couscous per 2 servings).
  • For traditional flavor, stir in a spoonful of clarified butter (smen) or substitute with a few pieces of blue cheese like gorgonzola while couscous is hot.
  1. Serve
  • Arrange couscous on a large plate, making a well in the center.
  • Spoon chicken and sauce into the center.
  • Arrange vegetables around the couscous.
  • Drizzle with some vegetable broth from the tagine for moisture and flavor.

💡 Tips

  • Browning chicken adds depth to the sauce.
  • Adding vegetables in two stages ensures even cooking without over-softening.
  • Using clarified butter (smen) or blue cheese adds authentic richness to couscous.
  • The dish tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.

📝 Final Thoughts

This Moroccan-style chicken and vegetable tagine offers a comforting, balanced meal with a beautiful interplay of spices, textures, and vibrant colors. Paired with couscous, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.