Chicken with Apricots Recipe ππ
Description:
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this tantalizing Chicken with Apricots recipe. A symphony of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and sweet apricots come together in a rich and satisfying curry that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Inspired by the culinary delights of North Africa, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 200g boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 600g onions
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tsp cumin seeds
- 6 green cardamom pods
- 1 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups dried apricots
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- Salt, to taste
Spice Blend:
For an authentic Moroccan flavor, grind together:
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Apricots: Place the dried apricots in a pan with 250ml of cold water. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the apricots are tender. |
| 2 | Prepare the Spice Blend: In a pestle and mortar, grind together the cumin seeds, green cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and garlic until you have a fragrant spice blend. Add a splash of water if needed to help with the grinding process. |
| 3 | SautΓ© the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan and add two cinnamon sticks. After a couple of minutes, add the chopped onions and sautΓ© until they turn golden brown. |
| 4 | Add the Spice Blend: Stir in the freshly ground spice blend and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the spices, releasing their flavors. |
| 5 | Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan, increase the heat, and cook until they turn white and are sealed on all sides. |
| 6 | Incorporate Tomatoes and Apricots: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan along with the simmered apricots and their cooking liquid. Mix well to combine all the flavors. |
| 7 | Simmer: Cover the pan and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook through. |
| 8 | Adjust Seasoning: Remove the whole cinnamon sticks from the curry. Season with salt to taste and stir in the fresh coriander for a burst of freshness. |
| 9 | Serve: Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks for an added visual appeal. Serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy your culinary journey to Morocco! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 519.5
- Fat: 21.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 124.5mg
- Sodium: 152.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 53.1g
- Fiber: 8.4g
- Sugar: 36.8g
- Protein: 35.1g
Recipe Notes:
- For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a hearty and nutritious alternative.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice according to your preference by adding more or less of the ground spice blend.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Indulge in the exotic flavors of Morocco with this aromatic Chicken with Apricots recipe. Bursting with warmth and spice, it’s a delightful culinary adventure that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Bon appΓ©tit! ππ½οΈ
