One of the many benefits of travel stems from newfound culinary traditions and flavors.
During the past two years, my husband and I have been fortunate to travel extensively for both business and pleasure. In the process, we’ve savored memorable meals and tastings in Alaska, Ireland, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and the Bordeaux and Provencal regions of France.
As we begin a new year and look forward to future travel adventures, I’m excited to share one of my new favorite recipes — lemon chicken tagine. This savory, one-pan meal was inspired by an amazing visit to Casablanca while on a cruise. The shore excursion’s description mentioned lunch would be included, but it provided no hint of the unforgettable experience awaiting us — a multi-course lunch in an opulent, sun-filled restaurant perched on a cliff with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
A small cooking station had been set up near our tables, where the chef proceeded to demonstrate the preparation of chicken tagine.
He cooked chopped onions and garlic in a clay tagine until they were soft and fragrant, moved them to the side, then placed a chicken thigh skin-side-down to brown the skin before turning it over. The onion and garlic were spooned on top of the meat, lemon zest, turmeric, and a pinch of saffron were sprinkled over the onions, and a small amount of water was added for braising.
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The dish was covered, and savory aromas soon filled the room. Small red potatoes were added to the tagine, and when they were tender, the dish was ready. Each guest was served their own covered, clay tagine of fragrant, fall-off-the-bone chicken tagine.
As we later boarded the bus to resume our tour, I quickly scribbled recipe notes for this delicious meal. I can truthfully say it’s become one of our favorite chicken dishes, and because it’s ready in an hour, it’s a go-to recipe.
On a cold winter night this savory, braised dish provides comforting warmth, and you can watch me make it on my Christy Rost Cooks YouTube cooking channel, Episode 404. Happy New Year!
Christy Rost is a cookbook author, host of Celebrating Home cooking videos, and longtime Park Cities and Preston Hollow resident. Her ‘At Home with Christy Rost’ cooking series for Eat This TV Network airs on AmazonFire, AppleTV+, Roku, Samsung TV, and YouTube. Please visit christyrost.com for details and recipes.
