MOROCCAN CHICKEN WITH DATES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat 2 tbl olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning once or twice, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove to a dish and set aside.
• Mix together the ingredients for the ras el hanout in a bowl or jar. Heat remaining tbl oil in dutch oven. Add onion, and cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the bay leaf, 1 tsp ras el hanout and chicken broth.
• Reduce heat to low, and cook, covered, for about 25 minutes.
• Return chicken to the pot, turning pieces to coat with the pan fluids. Cook another 25 minutes.
• Add dates, almonds, and honey. Cook for another 5 minutes.
• Store extra spice mix covered in cool, dark place.

Steps:

• Cut the dates in half, discard the stone and then chop into six pieces.
• Slice the chicken into short strips.
• Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan and stir in the onion.
• Cook until slippery and soft, then add in the pine kernels and lemon zest, salt and pepper.
• Turn down the heat and cook for about five minutes, before adding in the chicken.
• Cook until the meat is lightly browned.
• Squeeze the juice from half the lemon over the top, stir in the harissa, stock and dates.
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water is reduced by half.
• You should end up with a thick, rusty coloured sauce.
• Meanwhile, prepare the couscous by placing it in a bowl and adding 300ml boiling water, remaining olive oil and salt.
• Cover and leave for 15 minutes, then use a fork to loosen the grains and mix in the butter.
• Serve the chicken mixture over the couscous, garnished with some chopped coriander and a lemon wedge.