If you’re in the mood for a culinary adventure that’s both easy and delicious, look no further than our go-to recipe for Braised Chicken With Harissa and Olives. Crafted for bold flavors, this dish embodies the essence of New York Shuk’s culinary philosophy.
Contents
Adaptable and Easy One-Pot Wonder
One of the standout features of this dish is its adaptability. You can customize it with ingredients you have on hand, turning it into a one-pot marvel. Consider layering potatoes for a hearty touch, or toss in chickpeas or white beans during the last 30 minutes for added protein. Don’t have fresh tomatoes? Canned ones work just as well, providing the same succulence to the dish.
For those craving heat, a simple swap of Ras el Hanout for 1 teaspoon of NY Shuk Fiery Harissa will add a fiery kick to your meal.
Tagine Traditions in North Africa
In North Africa, the term "tagine" has a dual meaning – referring not only to the succulent stew-like dish but also to the clay vessel it’s traditionally slow-cooked in. While this recipe thrives in a traditional clay Moroccan tagine, a few adjustments are necessary. Slowly heat the tagine using a heat diffuser to prevent cracks. Adjust the liquid content by using just one tomato and skipping the ¼ cup of water. After two hours of covered cooking, remove the lid and simmer until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Ingredients for Culinary Delight
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish a gastronomic delight for 6-8 servings:
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, cored and cut into thin wedges
- 3-3½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8)
- ¾ cup mild harissa, such as New York Shuk Signature Harissa
- 1 tsp. Ras el Hanout, preferably New York Shuk
- 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt, or 1 ¼ tsp. Morton Kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 cup green olives, such as Castelvetrano, pitted and roughly chopped, divided
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Steps to Culinary Bliss
Let’s break down the steps for preparing this exquisite dish:
Step 1: Setting the Stage
- Drizzle 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil into a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Scatter 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced over the oil.
- Lay 3 medium tomatoes, cored and cut into thin wedges on top.
Step 2: Marinating the Magic
- Combine 3-3½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ¾ cup mild harissa, 1 tsp. Ras el Hanout, and 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt in a large bowl.
- Toss thoroughly to combine.
- Arrange the chicken on top of the vegetables in the skillet.
- Scatter half of the olives, 8 peeled garlic cloves, and half a bunch of finely chopped cilantro over the chicken.
- Pour in ¼ cup water and cover the skillet.
Serve this Braised Chicken With Harissa and Olives over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread. A culinary journey awaits with every flavorful bite.
**Exploring Culinary Themes: Questions Surrounding Braised Chicken With Harissa and
How do you cook Harissa roasted chicken?
To achieve the perfect Harissa roasted chicken, follow these straightforward steps:
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Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to the desired temperature. -
Prepare the Chicken:
Lay out the chicken breasts evenly onto a sheet pan. -
Create the Harissa Paste:
In a mixing bowl, combine the harissa seasoning with olive oil, creating a flavorful paste. -
Evenly Coat the Chicken:
Brush the chicken breasts evenly with the harissa paste, ensuring a thorough coating. -
Infuse Flavor with Onions:
Take the culinary experience up a notch by tossing chopped onions into the harissa paste bowl. This step not only adds depth to the flavor but also ensures the onions are coated with any remaining sauce. -
Bake to Perfection:
Place the prepared chicken in the oven and bake until it reaches a delicious golden brown.
Enjoy the exquisite fusion of flavors in every bite of your Harissa roasted chicken!
What is Harissa Chicken used for?
Harissa chicken is a versatile ingredient that can elevate various dishes. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
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Salads and Bowls:
Incorporate harissa chicken into your salads or grain bowls for a burst of spicy and smoky flavor. Its unique profile adds depth to your greens and grains. -
Tunisian Spice Infusion:
Harissa, a seasoning hailing from Tunisia, is crafted from dried red chiles and spices like cumin. Typically, it is available as a paste when mixed with olive oil, creating a convenient and flavorful blend. -
Heat and Smoky Notes:
What makes harissa chicken stand out is its ability to introduce a delightful combination of heat and smoky undertones to any dish. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or stir-frying, harissa chicken brings a distinctive flavor profile to your culinary creations.
In summary, harissa chicken is a culinary powerhouse, enhancing salads, bowls, and various dishes with its unique Tunisian-inspired spice blend.
Is Harissa a Good Spice?
Harissa paste stands as a remarkable and indispensable spice, originating from the culinary landscapes of Tunisia. Its unparalleled versatility and dynamic flavor profile make it a coveted addition to any gastronomic repertoire. Crafted through the meticulous blending of roasted peppers, olive oil, garlic, and a symphony of toasted spices such as cumin, coriander, and caraway, harissa transcends the ordinary.
Spice Complexity:
The intricacies of harissa lie in its rich composition, offering a complexity that goes beyond mere heat. It strikes a delicate balance between piquancy, smokiness, and aromatic depth, contributing to a sensory experience that transcends culinary boundaries.
Versatility Unleashed:
Harissa’s adaptability shines through as it seamlessly integrates into diverse culinary creations. Whether used as a marinade, a condiment, or an integral component in a dish, harissa brings a transformative touch, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Spiciness Spectrum:
While the intensity of harissa can vary among different brands, it universally tends towards the spicier end of the spectrum. This characteristic imparts a bold and invigorating kick to dishes, making it imperative for chefs and home cooks alike to exercise prudence and taste judiciously during culinary endeavors.
In conclusion, Harissa proves itself not merely as a spice but as a culinary masterpiece, offering a sensory journey that explores the realms of spice complexity, versatility, and an unmistakable boldness that defines its identity.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in a Dutch Oven?
Achieving perfectly cooked chicken thighs in a Dutch oven is a culinary feat that involves a few simple steps. Follow this guide for a delectable outcome:
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Prepare the Dutch Oven:
Heat coconut oil in a large Dutch oven or a spacious sauté pan over medium-high heat. -
Season and Sear:
Season the chicken thighs with salt, then carefully place them into the preheated pot, ensuring the skin side is facing down. Allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes or until the skin achieves a golden brown and crispy texture. -
Flip and Cook:
Once the skin is perfectly crisped, flip the chicken thighs and continue cooking until the other side is equally golden and the meat is thoroughly cooked. -
Remove and Set Aside:
After achieving the desired level of crispiness and ensuring the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Dutch oven. -
Sauce Preparation:
Proceed to make a flavorful sauce using the remaining juices and pan residues. This step adds an extra layer of richness to your dish.
By following these steps, you’ll master the art of cooking chicken thighs in a Dutch oven, resulting in a delightful combination of crispy
What Flavors Go with Harissa?
Harissa’s fiery heat pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of certain vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Consider these culinary combinations to elevate your dishes:
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Sweet Vegetables Harmony:
Harissa’s intense heat complements the natural sweetness of vegetables like squash, carrots, and fennel. For an exquisite preparation, toss chopped vegetables with harissa paste before roasting, allowing the heat to infuse and enhance the inherent sweetness. -
Recipe Inspirations:
Explore the fusion of harissa with various recipes:
- Harissa-Roasted Carrots, Fennel, and New Potatoes with Couscous:
Discover a delightful recipe that showcases the perfect union of harissa’s heat with roasted vegetables and couscous. - Moroccan Carrot Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine with a carrot salad featuring a spicy lemon dressing infused with the boldness of harissa.
By embracing these flavor combinations, you can unlock the full potential of harissa, transforming your culinary creations into a symphony of heat and sweetness.
Can chicken be braised?
