Moroccan cooking tagine. Tagines or Tajine come in many varieties, each showcasing different ingredients and flavors. Here are some popular types:
1. Chicken Tagine
- Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives: The most famous Moroccan cooking tagine, made with chicken, preserved lemons, green or black olives, and spices like saffron, ginger, and turmeric.
- Chicken and Apricot Tagine: Combines chicken with dried apricots, almonds, and honey, for a sweet and savory dish.
2. Beef and Lamb Tagine
- Beef with Prunes and Almonds: A rich, sweet-savory dish with slow-cooked beef or lamb, prunes, almonds, and a touch of cinnamon and honey.
- Lamb with Dates and Walnuts: Often seasoned with cinnamon and ginger, this tagine highlights the sweetness of dates and the earthiness of walnuts.
3. Fish and Seafood Tagine
- Fish with Chermoula: Made with white fish marinated in chermoula (a Moroccan marinade of parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon, and spices), along with tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives.
- Shrimp and Vegetable Tagine: A coastal favorite, featuring shrimp, tomatoes, bell peppers, and green olives with a mix of fresh herbs and spices.
4. Vegetable Tagine
- Seven Vegetable Tagine: A hearty vegetarian option with seven vegetables like carrots, zucchini, potatoes, and squash, cooked with tomatoes and Moroccan spices.
- Couscous and Vegetable Tagine: A light tagine made with couscous, chickpeas, and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, and zucchini.
5. Egg and Meatball (Kefta) Tagine
- Kefta Mkaouara: Made with spiced beef or lamb meatballs in a tomato sauce, often topped with eggs that are poached directly in the sauce.
6. Sweet and Savory Tagine
- Quince and Lamb Tagine: Lamb cooked with quince, cinnamon, and honey, creating a sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile.
- Pear and Beef Tagine: Features slow-cooked beef with pears, honey, and spices, giving a unique sweet-savory taste.
Each type of tagine has its own distinct flavor profile, often influenced by Moroccan regional traditions and available seasonal ingredients. These slow-cooked dishes capture the essence of Moroccan cooking tagine, blending spices and ingredients that enhance each other beautifully.
Moroccan cooking tagine: How to Make Tagine
A tagine is a staple of Moroccan cuisine, a slow-cooked stew named after the distinctive clay pot it’s cooked in. Here’s a classic recipe that brings out the rich flavors and textures of this iconic dish:
Ingredients
For a Classic Moroccan Chicken Tagine:
- 1 whole chicken (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch saffron threads (optional, soaked in warm water)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup green or black olives
- 1 preserved lemon, cut into wedges (available in specialty stores)
- Fresh cilantro and parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the chicken pieces with a mixture of the spices, garlic, and half the olive oil. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for richer flavor).
- Prepare the Tagine: If using a clay tagine pot, preheat it gradually on low heat, adding the remaining olive oil and onions.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the tagine pot. Pour in the chicken broth, saffron (if using), and a bit more olive oil if desired. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Check periodically to ensure it doesn’t dry out; add water or broth as needed.
- Add the Preserved Lemon and Olives: When the chicken is nearly cooked, add the olives and preserved lemon. Let everything simmer together for an additional 15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and parsley, and serve with Moroccan bread or couscous.
Tips
- Tagine Pot: If you don’t have a traditional tagine pot, a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works well.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for a mix of root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes) and chickpeas, adjusting the spices as desired.
This traditional Moroccan cooking tagine recipe brings out vibrant flavors, creating a warm and aromatic dish perfect for family gatherings. Enjoy!
Experience the authentic flavors of Moroccan cooking tagine on our tours in Morocco that guide you through the vibrant markets and kitchens where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes like chicken with preserved lemons and olives.