Moroccan Chicken Tajine with Apricots and Almonds

This Moroccan Chicken Tajine is a delightful fusion of traditional flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken simmered with sweet apricots, crunchy almonds, and aromatic spices. The dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the spices to meld beautifully, creating a savory yet slightly sweet profile that is both comforting and exotic. It's a wholesome meal that respects traditional culinary techniques while adding a creative twist with the use of dried fruits and nuts.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dried apricots, halved
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a tajine or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and spices (cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and paprika). Add the chicken to the pot and brown on all sides.
4. Stir in the dried apricots and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover the tajine and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the toasted almonds to the pot.
7. Once done, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.