Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives

Moroccan cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This Moroccan Chicken Tagine with preserved lemons and olives is a quintessential dish that captures the heart of Moroccan culinary tradition. Slow-cooked to perfection, it combines tender chicken, zesty preserved lemons, and briny green olives, making it a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 4 chicken thighs
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 preserved lemons, quartered (remove pulp if desired)
• 1/4 cup green olives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and parsley, chopped
• 1 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a large bowl, mix olive oil, ginger, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
   • Rub the chicken pieces with this spice mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Base:
   • Heat a tagine pot or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Add the Chicken:
   • Place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the onion mixture.
   • Scatter preserved lemons and green olives over the chicken. Add the cinnamon stick if using.
4. Simmer the Tagine:
   • Pour water or chicken broth around the chicken, ensuring the liquid doesn’t cover the ingredients.
   • Cover the tagine with its lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid hasn’t dried out. Add a little water if needed.
5. Finish with Herbs:
   • Sprinkle chopped cilantro and parsley over the chicken before serving.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the Moroccan chicken tagine hot with warm Moroccan bread or steamed couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Nutritional and Health Benefits

• Rich in Lean Protein:
  Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
• Antioxidant-Rich Spices:
  Turmeric and ginger are packed with antioxidants that support immune health and reduce inflammation.
• Heart-Healthy Olives:
  Green olives provide healthy fats and beneficial compounds that promote heart health.
• Low in Carbs:
  This dish is a great option for low-carb diets while offering robust flavors and nutrition.

Why This Dish is Special

The combination of preserved lemons, olives, and aromatic spices creates a balance of savory, tangy, and mildly sweet flavors, a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine. Cooking in a tagine ensures tender meat and allows the spices to infuse deeply, making this dish unforgettable.

Positive Tips for Cooking:

1. Use a Tagine for Authenticity: If you don’t have a tagine pot, a Dutch oven works as a great substitute.
2. Preserved Lemons Shortcut: If you don’t have preserved lemons, use fresh lemon slices with a pinch of salt for a similar flavor.
3. Customize the Ingredients: Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or zucchini to make it a complete one-pot meal.