Chicken Tagine

Yesterday I tried a new chicken recipe. I am officially in love with this recipe, because it is incredibly flavorful and still easy to make (except for preparing the chicken...I loathe trying to cut fat from chicken thighs!) The recipe is for Chicken Tagine, which is a North African stew named after the clay pot in which it is traditionally cooked. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, so the next time you come over for dinner at my house, expect to be served Chicken Tagine! 

Chicken Tagine

From: Nutrition Action magazine

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless, chicken thighs

1 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp groun cumin

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne

1 Tbsp whole wheat flour

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 carrots, chopped

1/2 lb zucchini, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 stick cinnamon

1-15 oz can no-salt-added diced tomatoes

3/4 tsp salt

1 cup whole wheat couscous

In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Saute the chicken in two batches until well browned. Remove the chicken from the pot to a plate.

Mix the spices and flour together in a small bowl. Reduce the heat to low and add the spices-flour mixture and garlic to the pot. Stir for 30 seconds then whisk in the broth. Add the vegetables, cinnamon, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the pot and gently simmer until the vegetables and chicken are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with up to 3/4 tsp of salt.

While the chicken stew is simmering, put the couscous in a heat-proof bowl and stir in 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let stand until the chicken is ready.

When the stew is done, fluff the couscous with a fork. Serve the stew over the couscous. Serves 6.

Also, please note regarding my recipes utilizing the metric system:

My friend Jess (check out her awesome blog: http://foodloversanon.blogspot.com) just informed me that IKEA now sells basic metric measuring cups with measurements for milliliters and deciliters! If you are interested in trying European recipes (such as my Swedish ones), these measuring cups would definitely be a good investment.

Happy cooking!