Savory Moroccan Chicken and Lentil Tagine
Delve into the warm and aromatic flavors of Morocco with this delightful chicken and lentil tagine. Infused with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish encapsulates the essence of traditional Moroccan cuisine. The tender chicken breasts meld beautifully with the earthy lentils, creating a hearty meal that’s satisfying on its own or served with crusty bread for scooping. This recipe can easily be adapted to a vegetarian option by omitting the chicken, while still delivering robust flavors that will please everyone at the table. Utilizing a pressure cooker helps to reduce the cooking time significantly, making this dish accessible for weeknight dinners. Enjoy the comforting blend of ingredients for a nourishing one-dish meal that brings both warmth and flavor to your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 lbs (Cut into large chunks)
Water
3 cups (For cooking)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (Untouched)
Fresh Parsley
2 tablespoons (Finely chopped)
Onion
1/2 medium (Chopped)
Chicken Bouillon Cube
1 small or 1/2 large (Crumbled)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Ras El Hanout Spice Mix
1 teaspoon (For flavoring)
Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Dry Lentils
1 cup (Rinsed and drained)
Instructions
1
In a pressure cooker or large pot, combine the chicken breasts, water, tomato sauce, chopped parsley, onion, chicken bouillon, olive oil, ras el hanout, ginger, turmeric, salt, pepper, and lentils.
2
For the pressure cooker: Secure the lid and bring to high pressure. Once the cooker begins to hiss, reduce heat and cook for an additional 8 minutes. After the time is up, carefully release the pressure and open the lid. Stir the mixture well. If the consistency is too thick, add a little more water. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3
For a regular pot: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
4
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5
Serve the tagine hot, ideally with thick Moroccan bread to scoop up the savory lentils and chicken.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Moroccan Chicken and Lentil Tagine?
It is a hearty, aromatic one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts and earthy lentils slow-cooked with traditional Moroccan spices.
What are the primary ingredients in this tagine?
The main components include 2 lbs of chicken breasts, 1 cup of dry lentils, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices like Ras El Hanout, ginger, and turmeric.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish can easily be adapted into a vegetarian option by simply omitting the chicken while keeping the robust spice blend and lentils.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks.
What kind of lentils should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of dry lentils, which should be rinsed and drained before cooking.
What is the cooking time in a pressure cooker?
In a pressure cooker, it takes 8 minutes once it reaches high pressure, followed by an additional 5 minutes after stirring.
How long does it take to cook in a regular pot?
In a regular pot, the mixture should simmer for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
What is the best way to serve Moroccan Chicken and Lentil Tagine?
It is best served hot, ideally with thick Moroccan bread to scoop up the savory lentils and chicken.
What spice blend gives the dish its authentic Moroccan flavor?
The authentic flavor comes from 1 teaspoon of Ras El Hanout spice mix.
How should the chicken be prepared after it is finished cooking?
Once cooked, the chicken should be removed from the pot, shredded with two forks, and then returned to the mixture.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of water for cooking.
What should I do if the tagine consistency is too thick?
If the consistency is too thick after the initial cooking phase, you can add a little more water and stir well.
What type of tomato product is used?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much onion should I add?
Add 1/2 of a medium onion, chopped, to the pot.
Is there a specific bouillon recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 small or 1/2 large chicken bouillon cube, crumbled.
What amount of olive oil is used for sauteing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used in the recipe.
How much ginger and turmeric are included?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
What is the recommended amount of salt and pepper?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper, or to taste.
Does the recipe use fresh herbs?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
Is this dish considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, one-dish meal containing protein, fiber, and nutritious spices.
Can this be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing and comforting blend of ingredients providing warmth and flavor.
Is the tagine spicy?
While it is aromatic and flavorful, it is tagged as spicy, though the heat level can be adjusted via the Ras El Hanout mix.
Can I use a regular pot if I don't have a pressure cooker?
Yes, the instructions provide a method for cooking in a regular pot by simmering for 25 minutes.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Moroccan, chicken, lentils, tagine, one dish meal, comfort food, spicy, and pressure cooker.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the chicken, water, tomato sauce, parsley, onion, bouillon, oil, and all spices and lentils in the pot.
How do I handle the pressure cooker safely?
You should secure the lid, bring to high pressure, and once the timer is up, carefully release the pressure before opening the lid.
What is the texture of the chicken in this dish?
The chicken is intended to be tender and melds with the lentils after being shredded.
Is Ras El Hanout easy to find?
Ras El Hanout is a common Moroccan spice blend found in many spice aisles or specialty markets.
Can I serve this with anything other than Moroccan bread?
While Moroccan bread is ideal for scooping, it is also satisfying on its own as a hearty stew.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this Savory Moroccan Chicken and Lentil Tagine.