Tunisian chicken with almonds and couscous

Tunisian chicken with almonds and couscous: An aromatic recipe for a memorable dinner

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

This Tunisian chicken recipe with almonds and couscous is perfect for a savory dinner filled with Mediterranean flavors. The fine couscous pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken and crunchy almonds, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (or chicken breast, as preferred)
- 150g almonds (unroasted)
- 250g couscous
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 500ml chicken broth (or water)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or mint for garnish

Step by step:

1. Preparing the almonds: Start by toasting the almonds in a dry pan. Place the pan over medium heat and add the almonds. Toast them for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. When they turn golden and emit a pleasant aroma, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. It is essential not to leave them in the pan, as the residual heat could burn them.

2. Preparing the chicken: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and, once heated, add the chicken thighs. Brown them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden. This will add a wonderful flavor to the dish.

3. Cooking the vegetables: Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and add the chopped onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and spices: cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Stir well to release their flavors.

4. Boiling the chicken: Place the chicken thighs back in the pan, add the chicken broth (or water), and bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Check that it is tender and juicy.

5. Preparing the couscous: Meanwhile, in another pot, add the couscous and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour the hot chicken broth over the couscous, cover, and let it steam for 5 minutes. Then, using a fork, fluff it gently to achieve a fluffy texture.

6. Assembling the dish: Once the chicken is cooked, add the toasted almonds to the pan and mix everything to combine the flavors. Serve the chicken and sauce over the couscous, garnishing with fresh parsley or mint if desired.

Serving suggestion: This Tunisian chicken with almonds and couscous is excellent served with a fresh vegetable salad to add a crunchy and refreshing contrast. You can also experiment with various sides, such as grilled vegetables or Greek yogurt with garlic.

Variations: If you want to add a bit of sweetness, you can add some dates or raisins to the chicken sauce, which will provide a pleasant contrast with the spices. Additionally, you can substitute almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

This simple yet elegant Tunisian chicken recipe with almonds and couscous will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy a delicious meal full of flavors and textures!

 Ingredients: 6 tablespoons of almond flakes, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, 720 g of chicken breast cut into cubes, 1 red bell pepper, julienned, 1 green bell pepper, julienned, 2 green onions, chopped, 4 cloves of garlic, minced, 2 teaspoons of cumin powder, 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt (or to taste), 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground pepper, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 cups of couscous, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of chopped parsley.