Moroccan Chicken by Delia Smith

Delia Smith's Moroccan Chicken is a flavorful dish that beautifully marries the rich, aromatic spices of Morocco with succulent chicken. This dish, often highlighted in Delia Smith's recipes, is known for its unique combination of ingredients like preserved lemons, olives, and a blend of spices that bring a piece of Moroccan culinary tradition to your table. The cultural and historical context of Moroccan cuisine is deeply embedded in this recipe, reflecting a blend of African, Arabian, and Mediterranean influences.

Ingredients for Delia Smith's Moroccan Chicken

• Chicken thighs (approximately 450g in total)
• Dry white wine (275ml)
• Freshly milled black pepper and salt for seasoning
• Garlic (1 fat clove)
• Ground ginger (¾ teaspoon)
• Ground cinnamon (¾ teaspoon)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Small onion (chopped)
• Preserved lemons (2)
• Green olives (10)

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin with making a paste by crushing garlic with salt, then mixing it with ginger, cinnamon, and olive oil.
2. Coat chopped onions with a teaspoon of the paste and place them in a pre-heated roasting tin in the oven for 5 minutes.
3. Make slits in the chicken thighs, rub them with the spiced paste, and place them on top of the onions in the roasting tin. Cook for 25 minutes.
4. Add chopped preserved lemons and olives to the tin, pour in white wine, and season. Cook for another 30 minutes.
5. Serve the dish with rice or couscous and perhaps a side of green salad.

Storage and Reheating

For storing the Moroccan Chicken, let it cool down and then transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can either warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat until it's heated through.

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional values can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of Moroccan Chicken is rich in proteins from the chicken, with a moderate amount of fats from the olive oil and olives, and some carbohydrates from the onions and preserved lemons. The dish is also a good source of various vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients and spices used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Delia Smith's Moroccan Chicken

• Can I use fresh lemons instead of preserved lemons?
  Preserved lemons add a unique flavor, but in a pinch, fresh lemons can be used, though the taste will differ slightly.
• What can I serve with Moroccan Chicken?
  This dish goes well with couscous, rice, or a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors.
• How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
  The spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of black pepper and choosing between sweet or regular paprika, as suggested in some variations of the recipe.

Delia Smith's Moroccan Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the essence of Moroccan cuisine to your dining table. Its rich flavors and aromatic spices make it a perfect meal for any occasion. When preparing this dish, remember to use the highest quality ingredients to truly honor the original recipe by Delia Smith​​​​​​.