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.
1
Remove the skin from the chicken thighs, trim the fat, and chop into 3-4 pieces.
- Chicken leg quarters: 4 pieces
2
In heated olive oil, sauté cumin and finely chopped chili pepper for 30 seconds (remove seeds for less heat).
- Cumin seeds: 0.5 teaspoon
- Chili pepper: 1 piece
3
Put the chicken in and fry until golden brown.
- Chicken leg quarters: 4 pieces
4
Add chopped onion, turmeric, red pepper, ginger, cloves, mix and sauté for three minutes.
- Onion: 1 piece
- Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
- Ground red pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon
- Cloves: 2 pieces
5
Add large chopped carrots, pumpkin, and shallots.
- Carrot: 2 pieces
- Pumpkin: 300 g
- Shallot: 5 piece
6
Cut the garlic head in half crosswise.
- Garlic: 1 piece
7
Peel the tomatoes, chop them, and add to the saucepan.
- Tomatoes: 3 pieces
8
Pour in 200 ml of hot water, stir, cover with a lid, and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 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.
- Couscous: 300 g
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Cilantro (coriander leaves): to taste
10
Place a mound of couscous on the plate and arrange pieces of chicken and vegetables around it.
