Djej Besla - Algerian Chicken & Onion Tagine

By Cubby

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 2 tsp. cumin seeds, crushed
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• 5 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 skinless bone-in chicken thighs
• 4 skinless bone-in chicken drumsticks
• 1 tsp. crushed saffron threads
• 4 medium yellow onions, cut into 12 wedges each Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced crosswise, seeds removed
• 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

1. Make a spice paste: Using the flat side of your knife, chop and mash salt and garlic together on a cutting board into a smooth paste; transfer paste to a large bowl and stir in cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Stir in 3 tbsp. oil, and then add chicken thighs and drumsticks; toss until evenly coated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours.

2. Heat remaining oil in an 8-qt. Dutch oven or large tagine over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add chicken pieces, and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 10 minutes; transfer to a plate and set aside. Add saffron and onions to pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 15 minutes. Return chicken to pot along with lemon slices and 1 cup water, and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 40 minutes. Remove from heat, and sprinkle with parsley; serve with rice.