EASY CROCK POT MOROCCAN CHICKEN, CHICKPEA AND APRICOT TAGINE

EASY CROCK POT MOROCCAN CHICKEN, CHICKPEA AND APRICOT TAGINE image

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 24

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6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into large chunks
2 tablespoons flour or cornflour
2 large onions, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, chopped finely
1-2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 inch fresh gingerroot, finely chopped
6 ounces dried apricots
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 (14 ounce) cans chopped tomatoes
2 (14 ounce) cans chickpeas
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 pint chicken stock
1 pinch saffron or 1 teaspoon turmeric
4 teaspoons ras el hanout spice mix (or make up spice mix below)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and black pepper
chopped fresh coriander, to serve (Cilantro)
OPTIONAL
2 carrots, peeled & diced (optional)
1 preserved lemon, chopped into small wedges (optional)
harissa

Steps:

Heat up olive oil in a frying pan/skillet & saute chopped onions & garlic for 5-10 minutes. Add chicken stock & gradually mix in flour or cornflour until well mixed & not lumpy. Add honey & tomato paste & mix well. Add herbs,spices & finely chopped ginger with salt & pepper to taste. Finally add tinned tomatoes & mix well. Pour the above tomato,onion & spice mix into slow cooker or tagine. Add chicken & chickpeas & mix well. Add dried apricots making sure they are covered by juice. (Add the carrots if using.). Give it a gentle but good stir to mix everything together well. Crock Pot or Slow Cooker - Cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours OR automatic with keep warm facility for up to 8 hours. If cooking in a Traditional Tagine, do as above & cook SLOWLY over gas or barbeque for about 2-3 hours. Serve with freshly chopped Coriander/Cilantro sprinked on top & either with couscous, rice, fresh flat bread, pita bread or salads. It is also good (if not traditional) served with fluffy pureed or mashed potatoes & pasta. Note: Preserved lemons make a great addition, add them when you add the apricots and carrots.