Image Source from egreenpinky

Savour the Flavours of Jamie Oliver’s Apricots Chicken Tagine

If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners with an exotic twist, you needn’t look further than Jamie Oliver’s Apricots Chicken Tagine. Inspired by North African cuisine, this dish combines warm spices, tender chicken, and sweet apricots to create a hearty, flavourful meal that is as comforting as it is adventurous. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this tagine is sure to impress.

The Essence of a Tagine

Traditionally, a tagine is both a cooking vessel and the dish itself, named after the distinctive earthenware pot that features a conical lid. This ingenious design promotes slow cooking, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken moist and tender. Jamie Oliver’s take on this classic recipe maintains the essence of a tagine, delivering a dish that is rich, aromatic, and utterly delightful.

Ingredients That Sing

One of the joys of Jamie’s Apricots Chicken Tagine is its simplicity in terms of ingredients, yet the resulting symphony of flavours is anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavour)
• A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• A pinch of chilli flakes (adjust to your taste)
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 500ml chicken stock
• A handful of dried apricots, halved
• A small bunch of fresh coriander (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced almonds for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy-based pot or tagine (if you have one), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown. Flip them over and brown the other side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and chilli flakes. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices, allowing them to release their aromas.

4. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned chicken to the pot, and pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Add the dried apricots, stirring everything together. The sweetness of the apricots adds a lovely contrast to the spices.

5. Simmer Away: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow it to cook for about 45 minutes. This slow-cooking method allows the chicken to become meltingly tender and infuses the dish with a medley of flavours.

6. Finishing Touches: Once the chicken is cooked through, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a dash more cinnamon if you fancy it.

7. Serve: Serve your Apricots Chicken Tagine on a bed of fluffy couscous or alongside warm crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander and toasted almonds for that added crunch.

A Dish for All Occasions

Jamie Oliver’s Apricots Chicken Tagine is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The delightful balance of sweet and savoury makes it a fantastic option for dinner parties, family gatherings, or simply a comforting weeknight meal. Pair it with a crisp salad or a glass of chilled white wine to elevate your dining experience.

In conclusion, this sumptuous tagine demonstrates how easy it is to bring a touch of global cuisine into your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that not only warms your belly but also transports your taste buds to far-off lands. So why not give it a go? Embrace the warmth and depth of flavours in Jamie Oliver’s Apricots Chicken Tagine today. Your family—and your palate—will thank you.