MOROCCAN STYLE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment, drizzle over 2 tbsp olive oil, season and roast in the oven for 20 mins or until soft. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, pour 2 tbsp oil into a large saucepan and add the squash, thyme, garlic and onion. Season generously and cook on a low heat for 15 mins or until the vegetables begin to soften (but not brown).
• Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, bay, ground spices and harissa. Season to taste and pour in the stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-35 mins until the liquid has reduced.
• Put the feta in a small bowl and add the remaining olive oil and the lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
• Toast the fennel seeds in a frying pan for 1 min, then lightly crush with a pestle and mortar, or in a bowl with the back of a rolling pin.
• Add the ground coriander and cavolo nero to the stew and cook for 2 mins. Put the stew in a bowl and top with a scoop of feta, a sprinkling of coriander leaves and fennel seeds, and some seasoning. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Steps:

• For the spice paste, crush the garlic cloves and sea salt with a pestle in a mortar. Add the smoked paprika, turmeric and cumin seeds and grind to a paste. Add just enough olive or groundnut oil to make the paste runny enough to pour, but thick enough to coat the chicken.
• For the casserole, place the chicken thighs into a bowl, pour the spice paste over them and toss well to coat all of the meat. Cover with cling film and leave to marinate in the fridge for as long as time allows, overnight if possible.
• Heat the olive oil in a large shallow pan, then cook the onions until softened. Add the chicken thighs and cook until coloured lightly on both sides. Add the lemon slices and pour in enough water to come halfway up the chicken pieces. Stir in the saffron, then season well, cover with a lid and simmer for about 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Add the olives and fresh coriander and serve.