Tajine Malsi (Tunisian Chicken and Vegetable Tajine)
A flavorful and comforting Tunisian tajine featuring tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and aromatic spices, baked to perfection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1 cup Green peas(fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander(ground)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon(ground)
- 0.25 tsp Saffron threads(soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated before placing the tajine inside. - 2
In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, sliced onions, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
💡 Tip: Use your hands to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated with spices and oil. - 3
Transfer the mixture to a traditional tajine pot or a deep oven-safe dish. If using a tajine, ensure the lid is properly sealed.
💡 Tip: If you don't have a tajine pot, a Dutch oven or a casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid will work. - 4
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- 5
Add the green peas and the soaked saffron threads (including the water) to the tajine. Stir gently to distribute.
💡 Tip: Adding the peas and saffron towards the end helps them retain their color and flavor. - 6
Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- 7
Remove from oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- ✓Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper.
- Use lamb or beef instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.