The Moroccan chicken stew is a hearty stew that is full of warming spices and vibrant veggies. This savory stew is unbelievably easy to make in 35 minutes. It is not only delicious but also nutritious and appealing to the eye. This is one dish you can make to show off your kitchen skill to guests or loved ones. This exotic stew contains a fantastic blend of spices and flavors that will leave your taste buds wagging. With a lot of fiber, the stew will keep you full for hours and can be served with anything that you like. You’ll also be looking forward to the leftovers. Below are the ingredients and directions to make your Moroccan chicken stew.
Ingredients
- Handful fresh parsley, chopped
Handful fresh coriander, chopped
150g green beans halved
Four pitted dates or dried apricots, chopped
250ml gluten-free bone broth or chicken stock
Handful green olives, stoned
One large lemon, cut into six thick slices
Two red peppers, sliced into thin strips
Four chicken thighs, skin on
½ smoked sweet paprika
1 tsp ground cinnamon
One tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cuminPreparation Method
In a big, dry pan, gently toast your almonds for two minutes until golden and then set them aside.
- Using the same pan, heat the ghee and cook the onions gently for eight minutes until they soften. Add ginger, spices, and garlic and fry them for a minute.
- Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook them until golden and crisp. Turn and cook to golden the flesh side.
- Add red peppers, olives, bone broth, dates, apricots, lemon slices, and stock. Simmer with the lid on for around 40 minutes till the chicken is cooked through.
- If your sauce is too thick, you can add a few more tbsps of water. If watery, remove the lid and leave it to reduce a bit.
- Add the green beans for the last 4 minutes of your cooking time. Season to taste, top with the parsley or coriander, and the toasted almonds.
- Serve and enjoy when hot.
Healthy Benefits
Spices usually are used as natural tenderizers for meat and seasonings to improve flavors of soup, vegetables, drinks, and meat. Spices and herbs have more disease-fighting antioxidants compared to most vegetables and fruits. Herbs and spices are rich in vital phytonutrient compounds like vitamins, minerals, and essential oils required for general health. When you blend the spices with this dish, you will intensify the associated health benefits. There are potential effects of herbs and spices on inflammation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes in humans. Basil, for example, helps in normalizing the cortisol levels and has anti-stress effects. Cinnamon slows gastric emptying as well as reducing blood sugar rise after a meal.
There are potential benefits in Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, boosting cognitive functioning, and Type 2 Diabetes. It also contains volatile oils that have antibacterial and antifungal effects. Turmeric has benefits for osteoarthritis and cancer. Other types of spices used for this dish have numerous health benefits. Chicken, on the other hand, is a popular meat source not only for its taste but also for its multiple health benefits. It is also an excellent supply of protein, which is vital in sustaining muscles and building strength. Chicken is also crucial in weight-loss since it is lean meat, meaning it doesn’t have much fat. It is also linked to healthy bones due to the high calcium and phosphorous content responsible for keeping bones healthy and hence reduces the risk of arthritis.
Vitamin B5 and tryptophan are ingredients that help people reduce stress. Chicken meat has a good dose of these and also contains magnesium, which relieves PMS symptoms. Finally, chicken is vital in boosting immunity, explaining why health professionals recommend chicken soup during recovery, whether having flu or cold. Chicken helps strengthen the immune cells in the body, and the steam from the soup unblocks the nasal passage.
The garbanzo beans, just like most legumes, have a significant fiber content. Two cups of these will give you the whole day’s value.
You must admit that eating Moroccan chicken stew has numerous health benefits. However, be wary of how you prepare your chicken as deep-fried or hybrid chicken can do more harm than good. The Moroccan chicken stew combines healthy spices and herbs with a well-cooked chicken to leave your taste buds happy and in perfect health condition.
