Chicken tagine with olives

Delicious Chicken Tagine Recipe with Olives

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Culinary journey into the world of flavors

Tagines are traditional cooking vessels that have captured the attention of food lovers around the world. They not only provide an efficient cooking method but also help to develop flavors, transforming simple ingredients into delicious dishes. Tagines are known for their ability to retain moisture, making the food tender and full of taste. So today, I invite you to discover the recipe for Chicken Tagine with Olives! This is a perfect choice for a savory lunch or dinner, and its aroma will transport you to a world of flavors and tastes.

Ingredients

- 1 free-range chicken (approximately 1.5 kg) - choose a farm chicken for a more intense flavor
- 100 g of pitted black olives
- 2-3 celery stalks, cut into 2-3 cm pieces
- 1 carrot, cut into rounds or cubes
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of Raz el Hanout spice - an aromatic mix that adds depth (turmeric, cumin, fennel, coriander, paprika, garlic, ginger)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 100 ml of dry white wine (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor)
- 1 cup of water (approximately 250 ml)

Preparation

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well and then drying it with paper towels. Cut the chicken into suitable pieces for even cooking. It is important to keep the skin, as it will help retain the juices and flavors.

2. Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine salt, pepper, turmeric, paprika, and Raz el Hanout. Add the chicken pieces and rub them well with the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This is an essential step, as the spices will penetrate the meat and add a special flavor.

3. Assembling in the tagine: Place the seasoned chicken in the tagine pot. On top of the chicken, add the olives, carrot, and cut celery. These vegetables not only add texture but also a contrast of flavors that will make the dish even more delicious.

4. Adding liquids: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, wine, and water. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. This will help maintain moisture during cooking, ensuring the chicken will be tender and full of flavors.

5. Cooking: Cover the tagine pot with the lid and place it in the preheated oven at 210 degrees Celsius. Let it cook for 45 minutes. Then, remove the lid and reduce the temperature to 190 degrees Celsius for another 15 minutes. This step will allow the chicken to brown nicely and develop a tasty crust.

6. Checking the soup: At the end of the cooking time, check if the chicken is well cooked and juicy. If necessary, you can leave the pot in the oven for a few more minutes to achieve an even better browning.

7. Serving: Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The chicken with olives pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes but can also be accompanied by a side of rice or steamed vegetables.

Useful tips

- If you don’t have a tagine pot, don’t worry! You can use a clay Roman pot or any other clay pot that withstands high temperatures. Cooking in clay pots offers the same benefits of moisture and flavor.
- For an even more intense flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spices for a few hours before cooking.
- If you want a spicy version, add some chopped hot peppers to the spice mixture.

Nutritional information (per serving)

- Calories: 400
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I substitute the chicken with another type of meat? Yes, this recipe can be adapted for lamb or beef, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure to check the meat's doneness for a tender result.

2. What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or a pale ale are excellent options that complement the flavors of the chicken. Additionally, mint tea can provide a refreshing contrast.

3. Can I add other vegetables? Certainly! You can experiment with vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, or bell peppers. They will add a note of freshness and color to the dish.

4. How can I store leftovers? Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or in a pan to regain its texture.

5. Is this recipe suitable for special diets? This recipe is relatively healthy, but if you are following a stricter regime, you can reduce the amount of olive oil and remove the skin from the chicken before cooking.

I hope this Chicken Tagine with Olives recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and on your plate! The dish is not only simple to make, but it will surely impress your family and friends. I encourage you to experiment and add your personal touch to this delicious recipe!

 Ingredients: For chicken tajine with olives, we need a free-range chicken, the farmer's chicken from here in France. Additionally, we need a handful of black olives, a few stalks of celery cut into pieces of 2-3 cm, a carrot chopped into pieces, a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, a teaspoon of turmeric, a teaspoon of Raz el Hanout spice (a specific spice blend that includes turmeric, cumin, salt, fennel, coriander, pepper, garlic, ginger), a teaspoon of paprika, 100 ml of wine, and a cup of water (because this chicken is harder to cook).

 Tags:  chicken tagine olives carrot wine