Moroccan Chicken with Eggplant Garbanzo Ragout

Moroccan Chicken with Eggplant Garbanzo Ragout Recipe

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Moroccan Chicken with Eggplant Garbanzo Ragout is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a hearty ragout of eggplant, garbanzo beans, and cherry tomatoes. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests with its exotic flavors and vibrant colors.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan cuisine, which is known for its bold spices and rich flavors. The combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon in this dish reflects the influence of North African culinary traditions on modern cooking.

Ingredients

1 tbsp + 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tsp sherry vinegar
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
salt and pepper
2 (6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium (about 8 oz) eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 0.75 inch cubes
0.5 medium onion, chopped
1 cup garbanzo beans and 0.25 cup liquid drained from can
8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to prepare

Combine 1 tsp of oil with the vinegar, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a glass dish.
Add chicken breasts and turn to coat.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, cook the eggplant and onion for 8 minutes, until soft and slightly browned, stirring often.
Stir in the garbanzo beans with liquid, tomatoes, and lemon juice.
Cook for 3 minutes, smashing the tomatoes with a wooden spoon and stirring to blend flavors and warm through.
Transfer the mixture to the platter with the chicken and garnish with parsley.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
To add a spicy kick, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or harissa paste over the dish before serving.
For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream to the ragout for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken in a mixture of spices and vinegar adds depth of flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.

- Be sure to cook the eggplant and onion until they are soft and slightly browned to enhance their natural sweetness.

- Smashing the cherry tomatoes with a wooden spoon helps to release their juices and create a rich, flavorful sauce for the ragout.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to cook the chicken until it is tender and juicy, while also ensuring that the vegetables are soft and well-seasoned. Be sure to follow the marinating and cooking instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sherry vinegar, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. You can also use any type of beans in place of garbanzo beans, such as white beans or black beans.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before cooking. You can also prepare the ragout ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish look even more appetizing, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on a platter for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a refreshing mint tea or a fruity sangria for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moroccan Chicken with Eggplant Garbanzo Ragout contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, with the garbanzo beans and cherry tomatoes providing fiber and essential nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the olive oil used for cooking the chicken and vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat, with the majority being heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Chicken is a lean source of protein, making this dish a satisfying and nutritious option for a balanced meal. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, with the eggplant providing a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The cherry tomatoes are also high in vitamin A and lycopene, which are important for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, making it suitable for most dietary restrictions. However, if you have specific food allergies, be sure to check the ingredients list for any potential triggers.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-balanced and nutritious option for a flavorful and satisfying meal. With a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it provides a complete and wholesome dining experience.

Summary

Moroccan Chicken with Eggplant Garbanzo Ragout is a delicious and nutritious dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its exotic flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, and I was wandering through the bustling streets of Marrakech, taking in the sights and smells of the vibrant marketplace. As I meandered through the maze of vendors selling everything from colorful textiles to fragrant spices, I stumbled upon a small stall tucked away in a corner.

The stall was run by a kindly old woman with weathered hands and a warm smile. She beckoned me over with a wave of her hand and offered me a small taste of the fragrant dish she was cooking. The flavors exploded in my mouth – a perfect blend of savory spices, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

I struck up a conversation with the old woman, who introduced herself as Fatima. She told me that the dish was called Moroccan Chicken with Eggplant Garbanzo Ragout, a traditional recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. She explained that the key to the dish was in the careful balance of spices – a blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika that created a symphony of flavors.

I begged Fatima to teach me how to make the dish, and to my delight, she agreed. Over the next few days, I spent hours in her tiny kitchen, watching as she deftly chopped vegetables, seared chicken, and simmered the ragout to perfection. I took careful notes, scribbling down every step and ingredient, determined to recreate the dish at home.

After several days of practice, I finally felt confident enough to attempt the recipe on my own. As I stood over the stove, stirring the fragrant spices into the bubbling pot, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating – a heady mix of garlic, ginger, and saffron that transported me back to the bustling streets of Marrakech.

When I finally sat down to taste the finished dish, I was overcome with emotion. The flavors were just as I remembered – rich and complex, with a subtle heat that lingered on the tongue. I closed my eyes and savored each bite, feeling grateful for the chance to learn such a special recipe from a kind stranger in a far-off land.

Since that fateful day in Marrakech, Moroccan Chicken with Eggplant Garbanzo Ragout has become a staple in my kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was so generously shared with me. Every time I make the dish, I am reminded of Fatima and the bond we formed over a shared love of food and culture.

As I grow older, I realize that the true beauty of cooking lies not just in the flavors and techniques, but in the stories and memories that accompany each dish. Moroccan Chicken with Eggplant Garbanzo Ragout will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I found a recipe that would change my life forever. And for that, I am eternally grateful.