INGREDIENTS
6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
1 Large onion cut in half and in thick slices
3 Garlic cloves peeled and crushed
1 Pinch of Saffron
4 Carrots cut in thick sticks
1 Large Sweet Potato peeled and cut in thick sticks
2 Medium Size Potato peeled and cut in thick sticks
1 Zucchini sliced
1 Small can of crushed tomatoes
1 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Teaspoon Ras El-Hanout
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Large Can of Chick peas
5 Cups of Chicken broth
Salt & Pepper to taste
Handful of fresh chopped parsley or coriander.
FOR THE COUSCOUS
3 Cups (750 ml) Water or Chicken Broth
1 Tablespoon Butter
3 Cups (600 gr) Couscous
1/4 Cup (35 gr) Raisins
PREPARATION
Start by preparing the broth, the star element in this dish. In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth with the can of tomatoes, the cumin, ras el-hanout, cinnamon, salt & pepper to taste. I often use a pressure cooker to cook the chicken first. I also include the onions, carrots and garlic as they take longer to cook. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and cook the chicken for about 7 minutes, until tender.
But if you do not have a pressure cooker, simply put the chicken first with the carrots, onions and garlic and bring the broth to a medium boil and cook for about 20-25 minutes, until tender. The carrots and onions should still be a little firm to the tooth.
Add the other vegetables; sweet potatoes, potatoes, zucchini and chick peas along with a good pinch of saffron and cook for another 10-12 minutes, until tender.
Whilst you are cooking the last vegetables, you can saute the Merguez in a little bit of olive oil. I personally use a non-stick pan and cook them without anything, until they are brown on all sides.
Prepare the couscous by bringing 3 cups of water or chicken broth to ta boil. Remove from the heat and add the couscous and raisins. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and pour into a serving dish.
I usually serve both in large serving dishes and let the guests help themselves.
3 Cups of couscous seems like a lot, but if you have any leftovers, you can make a beautiful salad the following day.
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