Chicken Tajine with Safran
My love language is food. For me, cooking and eating are deeply connected to pleasure and sensuality—one of the most intimate ways we can express care and affection.
If you’re preparing something special for your loved one this Valentine’s Day, consider making this light and easy chicken tajine. The chicken can easily be replaced with a jar of chickpeas, making it just as comforting and satisfying.
One ingredient, however, is essential: saffron—the most aphrodisiac spice of them all. I’ve written more about this magical ingredient in my Lemony Saffron Risotto, so be sure to check that out as well.
Preparation
Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a pot. Add the coriander seeds and cumin and toast briefly until fragrant. Stir in the ginger and onions and sauté gently.
Add the cinnamon stick and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Deglaze with vegetable stock or hot water until the vegetables are just covered. Cover with a lid and let simmer over low heat for another 5 minutes.
Next, add the chicken pieces, half of the coriander and parsley, and the saffron along with its soaking water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
For the vegetarian version, add the chickpeas together with the green peas during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Stir in the raisins and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon, the remaining fresh herbs, and wholewheat couscous.
Ingredients
Yield: 2-4 servings
Time: 45 minutes + 5 for couscous preparation
1 chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
(alternatively, use 1 jar/can of cooked chickpeas)4 medium carrots, peeled and quartered
1 cup green peas
½ bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
½ bunch cilantro , roughly chopped
1 medium onion or shallots, finely chopped
1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 cinnamon stick
1 heaped teaspoon ground coriander seeds
⅓ teaspoon cumin seeds, whole or ground
8 strands of saffron, soaked in a little water
A small handful of raisins
Olive oil, salt, and pepper
250 g Wholewheat Couscous
