Nestled in the heart of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Tafraoute was one of the highlights of our road trip. This town and its surrounding region captivated us with their granite landscapes and beautiful oasis. One of the traditional dishes of this southern Moroccan town is chicken tagine with almonds and prunes, though it can also be prepared with beef or goat. Cinnamon, honey, and orange blossom water make it a flavorful dish, while the almonds and prunes provide a perfect balance of textures. Naturally gluten-free, like most tagines, it is traditionally slow-cooked in its earthenware pot, releasing delicious aromas. Although tagine is often served on its own, it can be accompanied by rice or steamed vegetables, making it a complete meal. It reflects the hospitable and generous spirit of southern Morocco. This dish is a true culinary journey to the heart of the Atlas Mountains.

Chicken tagine with prunes and almonds, a specialty of Tafraoute

Morocco

Print the recipe

Pin Recipe

Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 1 hrs Total time 1 hr 15 mins

Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Special regime:

Naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 Free-range chicken cut into pieces
• 2 sliced ​​onions
• 150g pitted prunes
• 80g of whole blanched almonds
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger
• 1 pinch of saffron
• 2 tablespoons of culinary argan oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water (without artificial flavoring)
• Salt and pepper
• Water (300 ml for cooking with the Ninja Foodi)

Preparation

1. In a casserole dish or tagine, fry the onions and chicken pieces in oil for 10 minutes, until lightly browned.
   
2. Add the spices (cinnamon, ginger, saffron), salt, pepper, then cover with water. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a dry pan. Set aside.
4. Add the prunes to the tagine, then the honey and orange blossom water. Continue cooking for 15 minutes over low heat.
   
5. Adjust the seasoning. If necessary, reduce the sauce slightly.
6. Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted almonds.
7. Serve piping hot, accompanied by rice or steamed vegetables.

1. Cooking with the Ninja foodi

   • Sauté mode :
     Pour the oil into the pot, fry the onions and chicken pieces for 8 minutes until lightly browned.

   • Add the spices (cinnamon, ginger, saffron), salt and pepper.

   • Add the water , close the pressure lid.

   • Pressure cooking :
     Select “Pressure Cook” for 15 minutes .

   • Release the pressure naturally for 5 minutes , then release the rest manually.

   • Add the prunes, honey, and orange blossom water . Switch to "Sauté" mode and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce the sauce.

   • Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a pan or in the Ninja Foodi air fryer (200°C for 5-6 minutes).

   • Serve hot , sprinkled with toasted almonds.

Keywords: Moroccan gluten-free tagine, Berber cuisine Tafraoute, traditional Moroccan recipe, sweet and savory tagine, gluten-free Moroccan dish, chicken with prunes, toasted almonds, easy Moroccan recipe, southern Moroccan specialty

Rate this recipe