Best Fassuliah Kdra Beans With Saffron Morocco North Africa Recipes

FASSULIAH K'DRA -- BEANS WITH SAFFRON (MOROCCO - NORTH AFRICA)

Steps:

• Drain the beans & rinse well, then place them in a large saucepan.
• Add the 1 generous pinch of saffron threads (crushed) & 1 1/2 quarts water, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Add butter, then reduce heat to low & simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
• Stir in the onions, parsley & pepper & cook for another 30 minutes or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally to make sure beans are not sticking.
• Just before beans are ready, add salt to taste.
• If sauce is too thick, add a little water, but if it's too thin, increase the heat to high & boil until thickened, stirring regularly so that the beans don't stick.
• Taste & adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
• Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

CHICKEN TAGINE WITH POTATOES AND PEAS (MOROCCO -- NORTH AFRICA)

Steps:

• In a large flameproof casserole, combine chicken, onions, garlic, oil, saffron, cumin, ginger pepper, paprika & salt, then cover with water, about 2 cups. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil & cook, covered, for 30 minutes.
• Add parsley, cilantro & potatoes, then cook, covered, another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are nearly done.
• Add peas, lower the heat & simmer for 5 minutes more.
• If sauce is still runny, uncover the pan & boil hard until thickened, then taste & adjust seasoning, if necessary, before transferring to a preheated serving dish ~ Serve very hot with a good bread!

NORTH AFRICAN BEAN STEW WITH BARLEY AND WINTER SQUASH

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and cook leeks until they begin to brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Finely chop cilantro stems. Stir into pot, along with diced fennel and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in baharat, cinnamon and tomato paste, and cook until paste begins to caramelize, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in broth, 3 cups water, the barley and the salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stir in saffron, if using, and reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Stir in beans, squash, turnip and lentils; cook until barley is tender, about another 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired. Remove cinnamon stick.
• Ladle stew into bowls. Spoon a dollop of yogurt on top and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with cilantro leaves, fennel fronds and Aleppo pepper or paprika.

K'SRA -- MOROCCAN BREAD (MOROCCO -- NORTH AFRICA)

Steps:

• In a small container, blend together the yeast & warm water & let set 5-10 minutes.
• In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, anise seeds & sesame seeds, then gradually pour in the yeast water, stirring to combine well, before adding another 1/2 cup of warm water & blending it into the flour mixture.
• Knead for aout 5 minutes, or until the dough is firm & elastic.
• With lightly floured hands, roll dough into a ball, before flattening it into a disk about 6 inches wide & 1 inch thick & placing it on a floured baking sheet. Set aside to rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
• Fifteen minutes before the dough is ready, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Bake bread in the preheated oven 45-50 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Set the loaf on a wire rack to cool slightly, then serve it warm or at room temperature. {Freezes well].

YOGURT MARINATED LEG OF LAMB - NORTH AFRICA

Steps:

• Two days before you cook the lamb outside on the BBQ, make a 'butterfly cut' along the bone, or ask the butcher to do it!
• Place the butterfly-cut leg of lamb in a close fitting container, pour the lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with a little salt. Cover and chill for 24 hours.
• The next day, toast (dry-fry) the spices in a small pan over low heat for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring until you smell the heavy aroma. Grind as finely as possible in a food processor or spice mill, and place in a bowl.
• Add the yogurt and mix thoroughly to make the marinade.
• Remove the meat from the container and wipe any juices from the base. Spoon in half the marinade, then lay the lamb down onto this. Cover with the remaining marinade, ensuring that all the meat has marinade on it.
• Chill for a further 24 hours.
• Return to room temperature at least 2 hours before cooking.
• Light the BBQ an hour before cooking.
• Brush the marinade off the lamb, and discard it.
• Sprinkle the outside of the meat with a little seasoning (salt, pepper, new spices), and lay on the grill, seasoned side down, about 8 - 10 inches from the coals.
• Leave untouched to cook for 15 minutes.
• Season the upper surface of the lamb before turning. Cook this side for 15 minutes.
• Remove and set aside for 10 minutes, to seal in all the juices.
• Carve across the grain in thick slices.
• Serve with a warm chickpea salad or a couscous salad, and slices of cucumber, tomato and salad greens.