Ras al Hanout Tagine

Introduction to Ras al Hanout Tagine

Ras al Hanout Tagine is a rich and aromatic dish that originates from Morocco, renowned for its exquisite combination of spices known as Ras al Hanout. "Ras al Hanout" translates to "head of the shop" in Arabic, signifying a special blend of the best spices a merchant has to offer. This spice mix typically includes a wide variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, turmeric, and sometimes even exotic ingredients like dried rosebuds. Tagine itself refers both to the North African cookware used for slow-cooking stews and the dishes prepared in it.

Ingredients

• Ras al Hanout Spice Mix
• Chicken (or lamb)
• Olive Oil
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger (fresh, grated)
• Carrots
• Potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Dried Apricots
• Almonds
• Couscous
• Cinnamon sticks
• Saffron (optional)
• Chicken Stock
• Preserved Lemons
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• Salt and Pepper

Preparation

Preparing a perfect Ras al Hanout Tagine involves layering flavors and ingredients.

Step by Step Preparation

1. Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken pieces with Ras al Hanout, a pinch of salt, and olive oil. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
2. Chop the vegetables: Dice the onions, slice the carrots, and cube the potatoes.
3. Prepare the aromatic base: Heat olive oil in the tagine. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent. Stir in the chopped garlic and ginger.

Cooking Process

Creating this dish involves slow cooking, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

1. Sear the meat: Push the onions to the side, and add the marinated chicken pieces into the tagine. Sear them until they gain a golden brown color.
2. Add vegetables and spices: Layer the carrots and potatoes around the chicken. Sprinkle with more Ras al Hanout and place the cinnamon sticks in the mixture.
3. Simmer: Pour in enough chicken stock to almost cover the ingredients. Bring to a simmer, cover with the tagine lid, and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Check every 30 minutes and stir gently if needed. Use a cooking timer to manage your time effectively.
4. Finish the dish: Add the dried apricots during the last 30 minutes, allowing them to plump and infuse the tagine with sweetness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

How to Serve and Enjoy Ras al Hanout Tagine

To enjoy this delightful dish, serve it with fluffy couscous and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced almonds. A side of warm, crusty bread pairs beautifully with the tagine, perfect for scooping and savoring every drop of the flavorful sauce. For the best experience, serve directly from the tagine, allowing everyone to share this communal and heartwarming meal.