Description
Hearty moroccan chicken soup celebrates North African flavors with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and rich broth. Complex layers of warmth welcome diners to savor each comforting spoonful you’ll enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (1.1 lbs) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
- 425g (15 oz) chickpeas, washed and dried
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, mashed
- 850g (30 oz) mashed tomatoes
- 1.5 cups water
- 3 cups hot-cooked couscous
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sweet red pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup fresh coriander
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Coat chicken pieces with flour, ground coriander, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Let the mixture rest to allow spices to permeate the meat thoroughly.
- Aromatic Base Creation: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sauté onions and garlic until they transform into a translucent, fragrant foundation, releasing their essential oils.
- Chicken Browning: Introduce seasoned chicken to the pot, creating a rich golden crust by searing evenly on all sides, developing deep flavor layers and sealing in moisture.
- Liquid and Ingredient Integration: Cascade crushed tomatoes, drained chickpeas, water, golden raisins, and green olives into the pot. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify.
- Simmering and Infusion: Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow the mixture to gently simmer. Occasional stirring ensures even cooking and prevents ingredient adhesion, transforming the soup into a rich, harmonious stew.
- Couscous Incorporation and Finalization: Fold couscous into the bubbling mixture, permitting it to absorb the complex flavors and achieve perfect tenderness. Remove from heat once couscous reaches ideal texture.
- Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, serving the aromatic Moroccan-inspired soup in deep bowls that showcase its vibrant character and Mediterranean essence.
Notes
- Spice Infusion Time: Let chicken marinate with spices for 10 minutes to maximize flavor penetration and create deeper taste profile.
- Browning Technique: Ensure chicken pieces are golden brown to develop rich caramelized exterior and lock in succulent juices.
- Liquid Management: Monitor liquid levels during simmering to prevent burning and maintain perfect soup consistency.
- Couscous Absorption: Add couscous at end and let it rest precisely 5-6 minutes for optimal texture without becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg