MOROCCAN-STYLE CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE TAGINE WITH COUSCOUS

A hearty, aromatic Moroccan-inspired tagine featuring tender chicken simmered with a medley of colorful vegetables and warming spices. Served with fluffy couscous, this dish is even better the next day as flavors meld beautifully.

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🥣 Ingredients

• 500 g chicken pieces (boneless thighs recommended)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 large peeled tomato, diced
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 200 g zucchini, chopped
• 150 g cabbage, chopped
• 200 g kohlrabi, chopped
• 150 g carrot, chopped
• 200 g potatoes, chopped
• 200 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
• 100 g green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups couscous (approximate, adjust per serving)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Brown Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large pot.
• Sauté onion until soft and translucent.
• Add chicken pieces and brown on both sides until color changes.

1. Add Tomato and Simmer

• Add diced tomato and cook for 10 minutes to develop a sauce.
• Stir in turmeric, ginger, black pepper, chili powder, and salt.
• Pour in 1.5 liters water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.

1. Add First Batch of Vegetables

• Add cabbage, kohlrabi, carrot, and green beans to the pot.
• Cook for 20 minutes.

1. Add Second Batch of Vegetables

• Add potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini.
• Simmer another 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
• Adjust salt to taste.

1. Rest and Refrigerate

• Allow the tagine to cool and refrigerate if preparing ahead; flavors deepen overnight.

1. Prepare Couscous

• Cook couscous according to package instructions (roughly 1 cup couscous per 2 servings).
• For traditional flavor, stir in a spoonful of clarified butter (smen) or substitute with a few pieces of blue cheese like gorgonzola while couscous is hot.

1. Serve

• Arrange couscous on a large plate, making a well in the center.
• Spoon chicken and sauce into the center.
• Arrange vegetables around the couscous.
• Drizzle with some vegetable broth from the tagine for moisture and flavor.

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💡 Tips

• Browning chicken adds depth to the sauce.
• Adding vegetables in two stages ensures even cooking without over-softening.
• Using clarified butter (smen) or blue cheese adds authentic richness to couscous.
• The dish tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Moroccan-style chicken and vegetable tagine offers a comforting, balanced meal with a beautiful interplay of spices, textures, and vibrant colors. Paired with couscous, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.