Tajine Zitoune Recipe

Introduction

Tajine Zitoune is a classic Algerian dish featuring tender chicken simmered with green olives and fragrant spices. This hearty stew offers a delightful blend of savory flavors, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup pitted green olives
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp saffron threads
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and brown chicken thighs on both sides for about five minutes each.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle cumin, paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Pour in chicken broth until nearly covering the chicken.
5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then add green olives. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes until everything is tender.
6. Step 6: Serve hot over couscous or rice with a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture.
• Substitute green olives with a mix of green and black olives for a deeper taste.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for freshness.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of preserved lemon or lemon juice near the end of cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier during cooking. If using breasts, monitor closely to avoid drying out.

Is it necessary to use saffron?

Saffron adds a unique flavor and color but can be omitted if unavailable. A pinch of turmeric can be used as a substitute for color.

Tajine Zitoune Recipe

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Tajine Zitoune is a traditional Algerian stew featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with green olives, fragrant spices like cumin, paprika, and saffron, and savory chicken broth. This rich and comforting dish is perfect served over fluffy couscous or rice, enhanced with a final drizzle of olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Algerian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Olives

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup pitted green olives

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Spices

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp saffron threads
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics: Start by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. These will build the flavorful base of the stew.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn it.
3. Brown the chicken: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the boneless chicken thighs to the pot and brown them on both sides, about five minutes per side. This step enhances the meat’s flavor with a caramelized crust.
4. Add spices and broth: Sprinkle the ground cumin, paprika, saffron threads, salt, and pepper evenly over the browned chicken. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth until it nearly covers the chicken pieces to create a rich cooking liquid.
5. Simmer with olives: Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the pitted green olives to the pot. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Serve: Serve the Tajine Zitoune hot over couscous or rice. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil to finish the dish with a luscious Mediterranean touch.

Notes

• Use boneless chicken thighs for tenderness and quicker cooking.
• If saffron is unavailable, a pinch of turmeric can be substituted but will alter the classic flavor.
• Adjust the salt according to the saltiness of the olives used.
• Serve with couscous or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for an hour before cooking.

Keywords: Tajine Zitoune, Algerian chicken stew, green olive chicken, Mediterranean chicken recipe, African cuisine