Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj

Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj Recipe from Libya with Chicken and Okra

Region / culture: Libya | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that combines tender chicken pieces with flavorful okra in a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is both delicious and satisfying.

History

Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj has been a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The combination of chicken and okra cooked in a savory tomato sauce is a classic flavor profile that has stood the test of time. This dish is often served with rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 tbsp butter or 3 tbsp olive oil
500 g okra
0.5 tsp salt
1 tomato
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp tomato paste
0.5 tsp bzaar
0.5 cup tomato juice
1 onion
4 cloves of garlic, chopped

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the spices, tomato, lemon juice, garlic, butter, and onion with 3 cups of water. Add the okra and chicken to the mixture and marinate for a while. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and cook at 300°F until done.

Variations

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to this dish for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken and okra for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Cooking the dish in an oven-safe dish allows the flavors to develop slowly and evenly.

- Be sure to check the chicken for doneness before serving to ensure it is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj with rice or bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

- A side salad or some pickled vegetables would also complement this dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the chicken and okra before cooking helps to infuse the flavors throughout the dish.

- Cooking the dish in an oven allows the flavors to develop slowly and evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have okra, you can use green beans or zucchini as a substitute.

- You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and okra ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

- This dish also reheats well, so you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj in a large serving dish with a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. - You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or almonds on top for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

- A side of hummus or baba ganoush would also be a delicious accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a little water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

- Okra is a good source of carbohydrates, providing essential energy for the body.

- The tomato paste and tomato juice also contribute to the carbohydrate content of this dish.

Fats

- Olive oil and butter are used in this recipe to add richness and flavor.

- The chicken pieces also contain some fat, which adds to the overall richness of the dish.

Proteins

- Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

- Okra also contains some protein, making this dish a well-rounded meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Okra is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.

- Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help to boost the immune system.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

- If you have a tomato allergy, you may need to substitute the tomato paste and tomato juice with another ingredient.

Summary

Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj is a flavorful and satisfying Middle Eastern dish that combines tender chicken with okra in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is both delicious and nutritious. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in my hometown in Morocco. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was the one who taught me how to make this delicious dish.

My grandmother was a wonderful cook, and she loved to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. She would often spend hours in the kitchen, preparing meals for our large family. I remember watching her with fascination as she chopped vegetables, seasoned meats, and simmered pots of steaming stews on the stove.

One day, my grandmother decided to teach me how to make Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj. She explained that it was a traditional Moroccan dish made with chicken, okra, and a blend of aromatic spices. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of garlic, ginger, and saffron, and how to sauté the okra until it was tender and fragrant.

As we cooked together, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and the recipes she had learned from her mother and grandmother. She told me about the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and taking the time to cook with care and patience. I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring the aromas that filled the kitchen.

When the Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj was finally ready, my grandmother placed a steaming pot on the table and invited the rest of the family to join us for dinner. As we sat together, sharing laughter and stories, I took my first bite of the dish. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the savory chicken, the tender okra, the exotic spices – it was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj became a regular feature on our family table. I would often help my grandmother prepare the dish, honing my skills and adding my own twist to the recipe. Over the years, I continued to perfect the dish, learning new techniques and experimenting with different flavors.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed on the recipe for Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj to my children and grandchildren. I taught them the same lessons my grandmother had taught me – the importance of tradition, the joy of cooking, and the pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Now, whenever I make Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj, I am reminded of my grandmother and the love and passion she brought to her cooking. I can still hear her voice guiding me through the steps, can still smell the tantalizing aromas that filled her kitchen. And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of this delicious dish with my own family, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

Tajeen Bamia Bil Dajaaj will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond between generations and the joy of cooking with love. And I know that as long as I continue to share this recipe with my family, my grandmother's legacy will live on, one delicious bite at a time.