Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

Ingredients for Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoons turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 45ml plus 60ml olive oil

• 1 (3-lb) chicken, cut into 6 pieces, wings and backbone discarded

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 medium red onion, halved, then sliced 1/4 inch thick

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 5 fresh coriander

• 5 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 2 tablespoons mild honey

• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick

• 120ml dried Turkish apricots, separated into halves

• 50g whole blanched almonds

• a 10- to 12-inch tagine or heavy skillet

• kitchen string

How to make Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

Stir together ground cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat well.

Heat butter and 1 tablespoon oil in base of tagine (or in skillet), uncovered, over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then brown half of chicken, skin sides down, turning over once, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Brown remaining chicken in same manner, adding any spice mixture left in bowl.

Add onion and remaining 1/4 teaspoons salt to tagine and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Tie coriander and parsley into a bundle with kitchen string and add to tagine along with 120ml water, chicken, and any juices accumulated on plate. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 30 minutes.

While chicken cooks, bring honey, remaining cup water, cinnamon stick, and apricots to a boil in a 1- to 2-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until apricots are very tender (add more water if necessary). Once apricots are tender, simmer until liquid is reduced to a glaze, 10 to 15 minutes.

While apricots cook, heat remaining 60ml oil in a small skillet over moderate heat and cook almonds, stirring occasionally, until just golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.

Ten minutes before chicken is done, add apricot mixture to tagine. Discard herbs and cinnamon stick, then serve chicken sprinkled with almonds on top.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.