Marrakech Crunch
A Journey into Marrakech Cuisine
Marrakech Crunch offers a vibrant fusion of flavors that captures the essence of Moroccan culinary tradition. Known for its colorful arrays of spices and fresh ingredients, Moroccan cuisine is a unique blend influenced by Berber, Moorish, and Arab cultures. This dish, inspired by the bustling souks and the medinas of Marrakech, combines hearty vegetables, savory meat, and a delightful crunch from roasted nuts.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast - 500g, boneless, skinless
- Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
- Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
- Cumin - 2 teaspoons, ground
- Coriander - 1 teaspoon, ground
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper - 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Red Onion - 1 large, diced
- Bell Peppers - 2, assorted colors, sliced
- Zucchini - 1 large, sliced
- Chickpeas - 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Almonds - 1/4 cup, slivered
- Raisins - 1/2 cup
- Parsley - handful, chopped
- Lemon - 1, juiced
- Couscous - 1 cup
- Chicken Broth - 1 cup
Preparation
Marinating the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breast and ensure it is well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preparing the Vegetables
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the red onion until translucent. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and sauté for another 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the chickpeas and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken and sear on each side for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking
Preparing the Couscous
Bring 1 cup of chicken broth to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Assembling the Marrakech Crunch
In a large serving bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, sliced chicken, cooked couscous, and toss in the raisins, almonds, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the lemon juice over the top and gently mix.
Enjoying Your Meal
Marrakech Crunch is best served warm, allowing the blend of spices to fully develop their aroma and flavor. Pair this dish with a traditional Moroccan mint tea for an authentic dining experience. Don't forget, if you wish to check your cooking progress, use a cooking timer to ensure everything is perfectly cooked!