Savory Chicken and Lentil Tagine with Spices
This aromatic Chicken and Lentil Tagine is a warm and hearty dish inspired by Moroccan flavors. Featuring tender chicken pieces, protein-rich lentils, and a medley of spices, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. The tagine simmers gently on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve this over couscous or with crusty bread to soak up the richly seasoned broth. It's a dish that embodies comfort and evokes the spirit of North African cuisine, presenting an explosion of flavors with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
chicken pieces
2 1/2 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
garlic cloves
2 (sliced)
tomatoes
2 (cored and chopped)
ground turmeric
2 teaspoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
water
1 quart
fresh cilantro or parsley
1 bunch (or 1 large sprig, tied with kitchen string)
cinnamon sticks
2
dried lentils
1 cup
onions
2 (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a deep non-stick skillet or casserole, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chicken pieces skin side down and brown them thoroughly for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to evenly brown all sides.
3
Once browned, add the sliced garlic, onions, chopped tomatoes, ground turmeric, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to mix all ingredients well.
4
Carefully pour in 1 quart of water, then add the cilantro or parsley bundle and cinnamon sticks to the pot.
5
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
After 20 minutes, stir in the lentils, cover the pot again, and continue to simmer until the lentils are tender, about 25 more minutes.
7
Once done, discard the herb bundle and cinnamon sticks. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8
Serve hot, with couscous or bread to enjoy the flavorful broth.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken and Lentil Tagine with Spices?
It is a Moroccan-inspired hearty dish featuring tender chicken pieces, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic spices like turmeric and cinnamon.
What kind of chicken should be used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of chicken pieces, trimmed of excess fat.
How many lentils are required?
You will need 1 cup of dried lentils for this recipe.
What are the primary spices used?
The primary spices include ground turmeric and cinnamon sticks, along with salt and pepper to taste.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken pieces should be browned skin side down for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I use parsley instead of cilantro?
Yes, you can use either a bunch of fresh cilantro or fresh parsley for the herb bundle.
How much water is needed for the broth?
The recipe requires 1 quart of water.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 garlic cloves, which should be sliced.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
Two tomatoes should be cored and chopped before being added to the pot.
How many onions are needed and how should they be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 onions, which should be sliced.
When should the lentils be added to the pot?
Stir in the lentils after the initial 20-minute simmer of the chicken and vegetables.
How long do the lentils take to cook?
The lentils should simmer for approximately 25 minutes until they are tender.
Should I remove the cinnamon sticks before serving?
Yes, discard the cinnamon sticks and the herb bundle once cooking is complete.
What type of oil is recommended for browning the chicken?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What are the suggested serving options?
Serve the tagine hot over couscous or with crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful broth.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a warm, hearty dish that embodies comfort and evokes North African cuisine.
How do I prepare the herb bundle?
Tie a bunch of fresh cilantro or parsley (or one large sprig) with kitchen string before adding it to the pot.
What is the total simmering time after browning the chicken?
The dish simmers for a total of approximately 45 minutes (20 minutes initially and 25 minutes after adding lentils).
How much ground turmeric is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
The pot should be covered and the heat reduced to low for simmering.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this dish is a hearty one-pot meal prepared in a deep skillet or casserole.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the final dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before serving.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A deep non-stick skillet or a casserole dish is recommended for this tagine.
What is the culture of origin for this dish?
The dish is inspired by Moroccan flavors and North African cuisine.
How many cinnamon sticks are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cinnamon sticks.
Does the chicken need to be trimmed?
Yes, the chicken pieces should be trimmed of excess fat.
What temperature should the oil be before adding chicken?
The olive oil should be heated over medium-high heat until shimmering.
What is the purpose of browning the chicken skin side down?
Browning the skin side down helps to thoroughly brown the pieces and develop flavor.
Can I use canned lentils?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of dried lentils, which cook in the broth for 25 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the 2 1/2 lbs of chicken and 1 cup of lentils typically serve 4 to 6 people.