I originally created this recipe as part of the #recipesforreturn campaign in honor of AMIT ESTHER BAT ILANA BUSKILA who was taken hostage on October 7th.
It meant so much to me to cook this recipe for Amit, giving her a voice, and sharing her beauty and talent with the world. I used my tagine from Morrocco (for the very first time!) and the ras el hanout and saffron that I brought from from my trip to honor Amit’s Morroccan roots.
Amit is 27 years old and is a budding fashion stylist from Ashdod, who loves to cook and even filmed an audition for Masterchef shortly before she was captured. She loves to go out with her friends and is known for her funloving personality. Please take the time to cook this recipe in Amit’s honor, and to continue to share the voices of the hostages.
Unfortunately, the IDF confirmed that Amit was killed on October 7th near the Supernova music festival, and her body was taken captive by Hamas. It was recovered on May 17th and returned to Israel, where she was laid to rest in Giryat Gat. Rest in peace Amit.
To view the reel on Instagram click here.
2 tbsp ras el hanout
4 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken thighs
1 Spanish onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 preserved lemon peel, minced
1 cup pitted green olives
1 cup sliced Turkish apricots
1/2 tsp saffron , ground and steeped in 1/4 cup water
8oz crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cinnamon sticks
1 bunch cilantro, divided
salt and pepper, to taste
couscous, for serving
Method:
In a large bowl, mix the ras el hanout with 2 tbsp olive oil to form a paste. Rub the paste over the chicken thighs. Heat the remaining 2 tbsp oil in a tagine or dutch oven and sear the chicken to brown on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside. Add the onions and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and preserved lemon and saute until fragrant. Add the olives, apricots, saffron water, crushed tomatoes. stock, cinnamon sticks, cilantro and salt and pepper to taste, Mix the sauce to combine and return the chicken to the tagine along with their drippings. Simmer for 1 hour. Add chopped cilantro and serve over couscous.
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