Apricot Chicken Tagine With Ginger And Mint

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

A popular dish from Morocco in North Africa is the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe. Both the dish and the tagine itself share the name of their namesake cooking vessel. The people of Morocco have been enjoying this dish for centuries, and its fame has since spread around the world.

Table of Contents

Chicken, dried apricots, ginger, mint, and spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander are typical ingredients. Chicken with a sweet and savory flavor from apricots, spices, and a splash of water cooked in a tagine. The Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint recipe gets its distinctive and revitalizing flavor from the addition of ginger and mint.

Want more ideas to round-out your Moroccan Recipe Box?
A lot of great options are in these posts!

This Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint recipe is perfect for any season. It is a staple at Moroccan weddings, as well as Eid al-Fitr and other religious and cultural festivals. It is also a traditional meal eaten at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.

Since it’s simple to make and can feed a large crowd, this dish has become a staple at many social gatherings. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and serve with couscous, bread, or rice.

In sum, this Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint recipeis a globally beloved dish for its flavorful and healthful ingredients. If you want to get a taste of the variety of North African cuisines, you simply must try this dish.

3 Reasons People Love the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe

Unique flavor: People really enjoy the distinct flavor of the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint recipe. A delicious and complex flavor is created by the combination of sweet and savory flavors, as well as the blend of spices and herbs.

Health benefits: This dish’s popularity stems in part from the fact that it’s nutritious and healthy. Protein comes from the chicken, while fiber, vitamins, and minerals come from the dried apricots. In addition to their flavor, ginger and mint are good for you because they aid digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Easy to prepare: Last but not least, the simplicity of this Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint recipe is a major selling point. Although not everyone will have access to a tagine pot, the recipe can still be made in a regular saucepan or slow cooker. In addition, you can find all the necessary ingredients in any supermarket, making this a quick and easy meal to prepare at home.

How To Make Our Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe

Ingredients:

2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup of pitted green olives, chopped
2 cups of chicken broth
2 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Gather All Recipe Ingredients

2. Heat the olive oil in a large tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat.

3. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

4. Add the chicken to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, until the chicken is browned on all sides.

5. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and salt to the pot and stir to combine.

6. Add the chopped apricots, olives, chicken broth, and honey to the pot and stir to combine.

7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

8. Stir in the chopped mint and grated ginger and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

9. Serve the tagine hot, garnished with additional fresh mint leaves if desired.

Nutritional Information For the Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint

Calories: 330
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 550mg
Potassium: 660mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 14g

Prep Time: 20 minutes.

Cooking Time: 45 Minutes

List of Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed:

Large tagine or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Best way to Store Leftovers For the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe

The best way to store the prepared dish is to let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Possible Substitutions for Ingredients For the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe

Chicken thighs can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Dried apricots can be substituted with other dried fruits such as prunes, raisins, or dates.
Pitted green olives can be substituted with pitted Kalamata olives or capers.
Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth or water.

Ingredients to Substitute for a Vegetarian Version of the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe

Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Tips and Tricks for Creation of the Recipe:

Prep all ingredients before starting to cook to make the process smoother.
Use a tagine or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and to infuse the flavors.
Use a slow cooker to save time and simplify the cooking process.
Use leftover chicken or pre-cooked chicken to save time.

Possible Side Dishes and Desserts to Serve With the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe

Couscous or rice
Naan or pita bread
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and eggplant
Moroccan salad with fresh herbs and tomatoes
Baklava or honey cake for dessert

How to Serve the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe

Serve the tagine hot, garnished with additional fresh mint leaves if desired.
Serve with couscous, rice, or bread on the side.
Add roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for additional flavors and nutrients.
Finish the meal with a sweet dessert such as baklava or honey cake.

FAQs About the Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe

1. What is a tagine?
A tagine is a North African cooking vessel that is used to prepare stews and other dishes. It has a conical shape with a wide bottom and is typically made of clay or ceramic.

2. Can I make this recipe in a regular pot or slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a regular pot or slow cooker if you don’t have a tagine. Just follow the recipe instructions as written and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use other types of meat such as lamb or beef, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type of meat used.

4. Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried apricots?
While dried apricots are traditionally used in this recipe, you can use fresh apricots if they are in season. Just be aware that the flavor and texture of the dish may be slightly different.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts:

You can’t go wrong with this recipe for Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint. The unique and delicious flavor is the result of a combination of sweet and savory flavors, as well as a blend of spices and herbs. This dish is easy enough for anyone to prepare because it can be cooked in a tagine, Dutch oven, or slow cooker.

It can be served with couscous, rice, or bread, and it benefits greatly from being topped with fresh herbs. This dish is not only delicious, but also beneficial to your health because it contains protein and many important nutrients. The Apricot Chicken Tagine with Ginger and Mint Recipe is an excellent introduction to the flavors and traditions of North African cooking.