Zlatan Miso Tagine

Background and Description

The Zlatan Miso Tagine is a fusion dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of traditional Moroccan tagine with the umami depth of Japanese miso. This unique recipe is inspired by the global influences of modern cooking, combining the hearty warmth of North African cuisine with the fermented complexities of Japanese ingredients. The term 'Zlatan' here is a nod to the dish's powerful, bold flavors, reminiscent of strong culinary prowess. Throughout history, Moroccan tagine has been a staple, named after the earthenware pot in which it is traditionally cooked. By introducing miso, we add a new dimension to the dish, marrying the culinary traditions of two cultures.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs - 500g, bone-in, skin-on
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 large, sliced
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, grated
• Miso paste - 3 tablespoons
• Chicken stock - 2 cups
• Chickpeas - 1 can, drained and rinsed
• Carrots - 3, cut into chunks
• Dried apricots - 1/2 cup, chopped
• Almonds - 1/2 cup, toasted
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Preserved lemons - 1, quartered
• Saffron strands - a pinch
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Fresh cilantro - for garnish
• Salt and pepper - to taste

Preparation

Before starting the cooking process, prepare all your ingredients. Slice the onion and carrots into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly and set them aside. Chop the apricots and toast the almonds ahead of time. Finally, quarter the preserved lemons and soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm water to release their color and flavor.

Cooking Process

1. In a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, searing until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the onion in the same pot, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the miso paste, ground cumin, and ground coriander, coating the onions and allowing the spices to bloom.
6. Return the chicken thighs to the tagine, along with the chicken stock, chickpeas, carrots, and apricots.
7. Add the preserved lemons, the soaked saffron and its liquid, and the cinnamon stick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover and reduce the heat to low, cooking for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours or until the chicken is tender and the flavors melded. For precise timing, consider using a cooking timer.

How to Enjoy

Once the Zlatan Miso Tagine is done, remove it from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted almonds for added texture and freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with couscous or warm, crusty bread. The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes makes it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Sharing this tagine with family or friends around a communal table adds to the authenticity of the experience, captivating your senses with both aroma and taste.