CHICKEN AND APRICOT STEW WITH COUSCOUS

Chicken and Apricot Stew with Couscous image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 16

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4 chicken legs and thighs (about 3 pounds)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup canola oil
1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 pounds small ripe apricots (10 to 12), quartered and pitted
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
4 tablespoons honey, plus more to taste
1 1/2 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock
1 1/2 cups couscous
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3/4 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Steps:

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, but not smoking. Add the chicken, and cook until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons oil.
Reduce heat to medium; add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Add garlic; saute briefly. Add apricots, cinnamon, saffron, ginger, coriander, 2/3 cup water, and 2 tablespoons honey; season with salt.
Return chicken to skillet; bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until chicken is cooked through and liquid is thickened, 45 to 50 minutes. (If sauce has not thickened, transfer chicken to a platter and place it into an oven preheated to 200 degrees to keep warm. Reduce sauce to desired consistency.) Add remaining 2 tablespoons honey and salt to taste. Pour over chicken on platter.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring stock to a boil. Place couscous and butter in a medium bowl. Pour stock over couscous; cover with plastic wrap. Let stand until the couscous absorbs all the stock, about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, and season with salt. Stir in almonds. Serve couscous with chicken, and garnish with sesame seeds.