Moroccan Chicken with Spicy Couscous

4 servings

70 minutes

Moroccan-style chicken with spicy couscous is a true gastronomic journey to the heart of the Maghreb. This recipe captures the aromas of spices characteristic of traditional Moroccan cuisine: cumin, turmeric, ginger, and cloves add depth to the dish, while chili pepper adds spiciness. The stewed chicken in a rich vegetable sauce becomes incredibly tender, and pumpkin and carrot add sweet notes to the dish. Couscous soaked in olive oil and fresh cilantro serves as a perfect complement, softening the heat of the spices. This dish not only warms and satisfies but also transports you to the atmosphere of Moroccan medinas with their colorful markets and spicy aromas. It is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive table, impressing guests with its rich flavor and aroma.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 610.1
• Proteins: 41g
• Fats: 31.5g
• Carbohydrates: 43.9g

Ingredients

• Coriander leaves: to taste
• Chicken legs: 4 pc
• Garlic: 1 pc
• Tomatoes: 3 pc
• Carrot: 2 pc
• Pumpkin: 300 g
• Onion: 1 pc
• Shallots: 5 pc
• Cumin seeds (jeera): 0.5 tsp
• Turmeric: 1 tsp
• Ground red pepper: 1 tsp
• Ground ginger: 1 tsp
• Chili pepper: 1 pc
• Carnation: 2 pc
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Salt: to taste
• Couscous: 300 g

Cooking steps

1. Remove the skin from the chicken thighs, trim the fat, and chop into 3-4 pieces.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken legs: 4 pieces

2. In heated olive oil, sauté cumin and finely chopped chili pepper for 30 seconds (remove seeds for less heat).

   Required ingredients:

   • Cumin seeds (jeera): 0.5 teaspoon
   • Chili pepper: 1 piece

3. Put the chicken in and fry until golden brown.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken legs: 4 pieces

4. Add chopped onion, turmeric, red pepper, ginger, cloves, mix and sauté for three minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
   • Ground red pepper: 1 teaspoon
   • Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon
   • Carnation: 2 pieces

5. Add large chopped carrots, pumpkin, and shallots.

   Required ingredients:

   • Carrot: 2 pieces
   • Pumpkin: 300 g
   • Shallots: 5 piece

6. Cut the garlic head in half crosswise.

   Required ingredients:

   • Garlic: 1 piece

7. Peel the tomatoes, chop them, and add to the saucepan.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 3 pieces

8. Pour in 200 ml of hot water, stir, cover with a lid, and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

9. When the chicken with vegetables is ready, prepare the couscous as per the package instructions, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil (or butter if desired) and chopped cilantro, and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Couscous: 300 g
   • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Coriander leaves:  to taste

10. Place a mound of couscous on the plate and arrange pieces of chicken and vegetables around it.