Couscous Azindessi

Couscous Azindessi Recipe from Benin | Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Benin | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Couscous Azindessi is a delicious and flavorful West African dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.

History

Couscous Azindessi originates from Benin, a country in West Africa. It is a traditional dish that is often served during celebrations and gatherings. The combination of chicken, peanut butter, and spices creates a unique and savory flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 lb (454 g) chicken legs and thighs
1 large tomato, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
2.33 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp peanut oil
1 tbsp tomato paste with roasted garlic
4 tbsp smooth peanut butter
1 tsp salt
1 cup couscous
0.5 cup (about 4 oz (113 g)) salted, dry-roasted peanuts, crushed
4 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

How to prepare

In a large bowl, mix the garlic, crushed bouillon cube, ground ginger, and pepper. Coat the chicken with this mixture. Set aside.
In a blender, combine the tomato, onion, and 1 cup of the chicken broth. Blend until fairly smooth. Set aside.
In a heavy, medium casserole over medium-high heat, warm 2 tbsp of the oil. Cook the chicken, turning with tongs until browned on all sides. Add the tomato-onion-broth mixture. Cook, covered, until the sauce comes to a low boil, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and peanut butter. Reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking, covered, until the chicken is tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Dilute the sauce with a little water or broth if it becomes too thick. Season with half of the salt.
Meanwhile, heat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Pour the couscous into a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the remaining 1.33 cups of chicken broth, the salt, and the remaining oil to a boil. Pour over the couscous. Stir once. Cover tightly with foil and bake until the couscous is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven, and fluff it with a fork. Stir in the peanuts. Mound the couscous in the center of a warm shallow serving platter. Surround with the chicken and top with the peanut sauce. Garnish with the chopped green onions and serve.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different twist on the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding the tomato-onion-broth mixture to develop rich flavors.

- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding water or broth as needed.

- Fluff the couscous with a fork after baking to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Couscous Azindessi with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering in the sauce helps to develop rich flavors.

- Baking the couscous in the oven ensures a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.

- Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time for easy assembly on the day of serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Couscous Azindessi on a large platter with the chicken arranged around the mound of couscous. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a fruity red wine to complement the rich and savory flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Couscous Azindessi contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

The couscous in this dish provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production and overall health.

Fats

The peanut butter and peanuts in the sauce add healthy fats to the dish, which are important for brain function and nutrient absorption.

Proteins

The chicken in Couscous Azindessi is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and onions, as well as iron and zinc from the chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts, which are a common allergen. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Couscous Azindessi is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Couscous Azindessi is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This West African recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. Enjoy the unique flavors and textures of this delicious dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Marrakesh. I was always drawn to the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling marketplace, where vendors sold everything from spices to fresh produce.

One day, as I was wandering through the maze of stalls, I stumbled upon a small stand run by an elderly woman named Fatima. She was busy preparing a dish that filled the air with the most tantalizing aroma. Intrigued, I approached her and asked what she was making. She smiled warmly and told me it was a traditional Berber dish called Couscous Azindessi.

Fatima explained that couscous was a staple in Moroccan cuisine, and that Azindessi was a special variation that originated from her Berber roots. She invited me to watch as she meticulously prepared the dish, showing me each step with patience and care. I was mesmerized by her skill and passion for cooking, and I knew that I had to learn how to make Couscous Azindessi myself.

Over the following weeks, I would visit Fatima's stand whenever I could, watching and learning as she cooked. She taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and how to balance the flavors of sweet and savory in the dish. I took notes, asked questions, and practiced at home until I felt confident in my ability to recreate her recipe.

The first time I made Couscous Azindessi for my family, they were amazed by the flavors and textures that danced on their tongues. The sweetness of the dried fruits, the richness of the spices, and the tender, fluffy couscous all came together in perfect harmony. From that moment on, it became a beloved dish in our household, one that we would share with friends and neighbors whenever they came to visit.

As the years went by, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe for Couscous Azindessi, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. I would often think back to that fateful day when I first met Fatima, and how her kindness and generosity had sparked a lifelong love affair with cooking.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of cumin, cinnamon, and coriander, I can't help but smile as I prepare Couscous Azindessi for my grandchildren. I pass down the recipe to them, just as Fatima had done for me all those years ago, knowing that it will bring them joy and nourishment for years to come.

In every bite of Couscous Azindessi, I taste not just the flavors of Morocco, but also the memories of a young girl discovering her passion for cooking. And I am grateful for the journey that led me to this moment, where I can share a piece of my heart and heritage with the ones I love.