Mauritanian Chicken Tagine with Olives and Preserved Lemon
A fragrant and flavorful chicken tagine, a staple in Mauritanian cuisine, featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with aromatic spices, briny olives, and the unique tang of preserved lemons.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 2 large Onions(sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 1.5 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- a pinch Saffron threads(soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
- 1 medium Preserved lemon(rinsed, pulp discarded, rind finely chopped)
- 1 cup Green olives(pitted)
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add sliced onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Stir well to coat the onions and cook for another minute.
- 6
Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and the saffron water. Bring to a simmer.
- 7
Add the chopped preserved lemon rind and the green olives. Stir gently.
- 8
Cover the tagine or pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally, adding a little more broth or water if it becomes too dry.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 10
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your preserved lemons are well-rinsed to remove excess salt.
- ✓If you don't have a tagine, a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
- ✓Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few dried apricots or prunes for a touch of sweetness.
- Include a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Use a mix of green and black olives for added complexity.