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Chicken Tagine with Raisins and Pistachios





Yields
Makes 4 servings

Notes: Tangy, salty preserved lemons are available in some upscale supermarkets and specialty food stores.

Chicken Tagine with Raisins and Pistachios




James Carrier
 4 boned, skinned chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 lb. total)
 1 tablespoon olive oil
 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
 2 onions (about 1 lb. total), peeled and slivered lengthwise
 1 tablespoon minced garlic
 2 teaspoons ground cumin
 2 teaspoons ground ginger
 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 1/2 teaspoon ground dried turmeric
 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  About 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1/4 cup dark raisins
 1/4 cup golden raisins
 1/4 cup shelled roasted, salted pistachios
 2 preserved lemons (optional; see notes), drained and quartered
  About 1 cup fat-skimmed chicken broth
 1 1/2 cups couscous
 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  Pepper
Step 1
1

Rinse chicken and pat dry; cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces. Pour olive oil into a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat; when hot, add chicken and turn pieces often to brown on all sides, 5 to 8 minutes total. With a slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a bowl.

Step 2
2

Add butter to pan; when melted, add onions and garlic and stir often until onions are limp and beginning to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Return chicken to pan and spread level. Sprinkle cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, dark and golden raisins, and pistachios over chicken. Add preserved lemons if using. Pour 1 cup broth evenly over all. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in the center (cut to test), 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 3
3

Meanwhile, in a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil; stir in couscous and return to a boil. Cover pan, remove from heat, and let stand until water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork and stir in mint.

Step 4
4

Scoop couscous equally onto dinner plates or into wide bowls. If chicken tagine is drier than desired, thin with more broth. Spoon over couscous and sprinkle with cilantro. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 668Calories from Fat 19
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
Cholesterol 107mg36%
Sodium 527mg22%
Total Carbohydrate 82g28%

Dietary Fiber 6.3g26%
Protein 54g108%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.