Djiboutian Chicken and Vegetable Tagine
A flavorful and aromatic tagine featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with a medley of vegetables and fragrant spices, reflecting the diverse culinary influences in Djibouti.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated fresh)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Zucchini(diced)
- 1.5 tsp Cumin
- 1.5 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with spices.
- 5
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
- 6
Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the vegetables are soft. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if the stew becomes too dry.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓If you don't have a Dutch oven, a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or green beans.
- Use lamb or beef instead of chicken for a heartier stew.