Moroccan Chicken Stew Spices (Print)

Chicken thighs, carrots, and aromatic Moroccan spices simmered in a hearty, tomato-rich blend with dates.

# Ingredients:

→ Base Aromatics

01 - 2 yellow or white onions (1 roughly chopped, 1 thinly sliced)
02 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
03 - 4 large garlic cloves

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 large carrots, peeled and diced

→ Proteins

05 - 6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Pantry & Liquids

06 - 800 g fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 600 ml chicken stock
09 - 15 ml red wine vinegar

→ Seasoning & Spices

10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - 1 tablespoon ground cumin
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
13 - 1 teaspoon paprika
14 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
15 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

→ Finishing & Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or 1 tablespoon honey
17 - 8 medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Place the roughly chopped onion, crushed tomatoes, chopped ginger, and garlic cloves into a blender. Process until completely smooth and set the purée aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper, then sear thighs for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the pot. Add sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until just softened. Stir in diced carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the onions to become translucent.
04 - Lower heat and add ground cumin, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, and turmeric. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their aromatic flavors.
05 - Pour the prepared onion-tomato purée into the pot. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Return seared chicken to the pot. Add chicken stock, red wine vinegar, and brown sugar or honey. Stir, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Transfer chicken to a board and shred into bite-size pieces with two forks. Return to the pot along with chopped medjool dates. Mix well and gently heat through.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Additional Notes:

01 - The stew tastes even richer if prepared a day ahead; leftovers keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months, leaving space for expansion.