MENU

Special Diet Information

Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.

Lactose
This recipe is safe for those who are lactose intolerant.

Sodium
This is a low sodium recipe.

GERD / Acid Reflux
This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.

Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten.

 

"It's amazing how meaty cauliflower can be." Alex Guarnaschelli

The refrigerator light goes on...

I was inspired to do this dish by a Spanish cooking show that I was watching. The word "tagine" refers to both a Moroccan recipe and the dish that it is cooked in.

The dish is a clay pot with a conical top that looks a little like a chimney. There is a hole in the top of the lid, and the dish both cooks as if in a skillet, but steam collects in the top of the tagine and helps cook the dish and keep it moist. Here's an example.

They used to be common wedding gifts, so you might already have one and don't know how to use it. It is actually pretty easy. Just cook the ingredients in the base on the stove as if it were a skillet, then reduce the heat and place the top on. Alternatively, this works great in the oven. My wife was certain that we had one but I assured her that was not the case (it may be the one piece of cooking equipment I don't have).

The item that attracted me to this recipe was not so much the dish itself (we have a lot of Moroccan inspired dishes on the website) but the grated cauliflower. The chef called it "cauliflower couscous" and I thought that was intriguing.

And it is.

The grated cauliflower brings a great flavor to the dish, especially because it partly steams and partly roasts, giving it a meaty taste. The texture also adds a lot to the dish that the couscous would not.

 
 

Chicken Tagine with Cauliflower Couscous

Servings: 4 | Serving size: 4 ounces chicken with sauce and vegetables

Cooking time: 90 minutes

This recipe can easily be multiplied and makes great leftovers.

2 tsp. olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. allspice
16 ounces chicken thighs
3 Roma tomatoes (quartered lengthwise)
1/8 tsp. saffron threads
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 cups vegetable stock
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup green olives (halved lengthwise)
1/2 large cauliflower (grated)

Chicken Tagine with Cauliflower Couscous

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Place the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Stir frequently.

Add the garlic powder, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, paprika, coriander and allspice.

Cook for about 2 minutes. Stir frequently.

Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned and well coated with the spices.

Add the tomatoes, saffron, tomato paste, vegetable stock, salt, and olives.

Stir, cover, and put in the oven.

Cook for 30 minutes and uncover.

Cook for another 15 minutes and then top with the grated cauliflower.

Cook for another 15 minutes and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 4 ounces chicken with sauce and vegetables

Servings: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories 264 Calories from Fat 100
% Daily Value
Total Fat 11g 17%
    Saturated Fat 2g 10%
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 108mg 37%
Sodium 427mg 18%
Total Carbohydrates 16g 5%
    Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
    Sugars 6g
Protein 26g
Vitamin A 10% Vitamin C 70%
Calcium 6% Iron 15%
Vitamin K 18mcg Potassium 633mg