Moroccan Lentil Tagine Food

MOROCCAN TAGINE

Steps:

• To make the chermoula, whizz paste ingredients in a blender. Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Tip the oil and vegetables into a heatproof casserole and cook on the hob until lightly browned, about 7 mins. You may have to do this in two batches.
• Add the chermoula paste to the casserole, along with the dried fruit. Pour in 400ml water, cover with a lid and cook in the oven for 45 mins. Reduce heat to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4 and cook for another 45 mins. Sprinkle with the mint. Serve on its own or with couscous or crusty bread.

LENTIL TAGINE

Steps:

• Heat a 6 quart Sauce Pot over medium high heat.
• Add in olive oil and coat the pan.
• Add in onions and spices.
• Sweat onions until translucent.
• Add in garlic, ginger and lentils and stir to coat with mixture.
• Add in cold vegetable stock and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for fifteen minutes.
• Add in the sweet potatoes, chopped tomatoes, peppers, and dates.
• Stir into mix and allow to cook for another 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft.
• If tagine gets too thick, adjust consistency with vegetable stock or cold water.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley (or coriander) and preserved lemon for service.

LENTIL & CHICKEN TAGINE

Steps:

• Place all the ingredients into the pressure cooker or regular pot.
• Cook for 8 minutes after the pressure cooker begins to hiss. Release the pressure, open the lid & stir. Add more water if needed then cover. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Note: When using a regular pot the cook time should be around 25 minutes.
• In Morocco, this tagine is served with thick bread to scoop up the lentils & chicken.

MOROCCAN-STYLE CHICKEN WITH LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Rub 1 tbsp olive oil into the chicken thighs. Mix the garlic, cumin, coriander and paprika together, then rub all over the chicken thighs on both sides.
• Heat a large flameproof casserole, add the chicken thighs and cook over a medium heat for 5 mins until golden on both sides. You might need to do this in 2 batches, depending on the size of the casserole. Set the chicken aside. Turn down the heat, add the remaining oil and fry the onion for 5 mins until softened.
• Stir in the rest of the ingredients, apart from the mint and bring to the boil. Place the chicken thighs on top and pour in any juices. Cover and cook for 1½ hrs, until the meat is tender and the sauce thickened. Can be cooled and frozen at this stage for up to 1 month. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge, then gently warm through. Scatter with fresh mint leaves and serve with couscous or rice.