Chicken Tagine with Figs, Olives, and Pistachios Recipe
Prepare yourself for a journey into the heart of Moroccan cuisine with this delightful Chicken Tagine with Figs, Olives, and Pistachios recipe. Perfect for a special dinner or when you crave something exotic and comforting, this dish combines tender chicken thighs with a rich blend of spices, sweet dried figs, briny olives, and crunchy pistachios. The slow cooking method ensures every ingredient melds together beautifully, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavors and aromas. Let’s dive into the detailed steps and ingredients to bring this culinary delight to your table.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 2 tsp | Ground coriander |
| 2 tsp | Ground cumin |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Ground turmeric |
| 1 | Lemon, zest of |
| 1 | Lemon, juice of |
| 1 tbsp | Harissa paste |
| 8 | Chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil (for browning) |
| 2 | Onions, chopped |
| 2 | Carrots, sliced |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tsp | Fresh ginger, grated |
| 2 cups | Button mushrooms, sliced |
| 6 | Dried figs, quartered |
| 8 tbsp | All-purpose flour |
| 2 tbsp | Tomato paste |
| 2 tbsp | Lemon juice |
| 2/3 cup | Pitted black olives |
| 1/4 cup | Pistachio nuts, chopped |
| 1/3 cup | Pine nuts |
| 2 tbsp | Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spice Mix:
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric, lemon zest, lemon juice, and harissa paste until well combined.
-
Coat and Brown the Chicken:
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Coat each thigh generously with the prepared spice mix, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs on all sides until they develop a golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken thighs to a crockpot or slow cooker.
-
Prepare the Vegetable Base:
- In the same skillet used for browning the chicken, add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the sliced button mushrooms and dried figs to the skillet. Gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to form a thick paste with the vegetables.
-
Create the Tagine Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken stock, tomato paste, and lemon juice into the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Whisk vigorously to combine, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately remove from heat.
-
Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Carefully pour the hot vegetable and sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring all chicken pieces are coated with the sauce.
-
Slow Cook the Tagine:
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 3-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
-
Add Final Touches:
- About 20 minutes before the tagine is done cooking, stir in the pitted black olives, chopped pistachio nuts, and pine nuts. These additions provide a burst of flavor and texture to the dish.
-
Serve:
- Once the chicken tagine is fully cooked and tender, serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. The aromatic flavors and hearty textures of this dish pair wonderfully with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This Chicken Tagine with Figs, Olives, and Pistachios recipe not only delivers on taste but also fills your kitchen with enticing aromas that will transport you to the vibrant markets of Morocco. Each bite is a delightful blend of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice that lingers pleasantly on your palate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family to a special meal, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the experience of cooking this Moroccan-inspired masterpiece and relish in the joy of sharing it with your loved ones! 🍗🍋🌿
