Fez Saffron Tagine

Originating from the historic city of Fez in Morocco, Saffron Tagine is a celebrated dish renowned for its aromatic blend of spices and succulent meat. The slow-cooking process in a traditional tagine pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, offering a unique dining experience that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine. This dish showcases the luxurious spice, saffron, which is often described as the king of spices due to its rich aroma and vibrant color.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs - 1.5 kg, skinless
• Olive oil - 2 tbsp
• Onions - 2 large, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Saffron - a generous pinch, soaked in warm water
• Ground ginger - 1 tsp
• Ground cinnamon - 1 tsp
• Ground coriander - 1 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - freshly ground, to taste
• Chicken broth - 2 cups
• Dried apricots - 200g
• Blanched almonds - 100g, toasted
• Fresh cilantro - for garnish

Preparation

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large tagine or thick-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and sauté until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the spiced chicken thighs to the pot and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
6. Mix in ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground coriander, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
7. Add the soaked saffron, including its soaking water, into the chicken mixture.
8. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
9. Cover the tagine and let simmer gently over low heat for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through (cooking timer).
10. About 30 minutes before serving, add the dried apricots to the tagine, allowing them to soften and soak up the flavorful sauce.

Serving the Fez Saffron Tagine

Once the tagine is done, sprinkle the toasted blanched almonds and fresh cilantro over the top for garnish. This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous or warm, crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the savory sauce. Enjoy your flavorful journey through Moroccan cuisine!