Moroccan Chicken Tagine

My husband and I have done some travelling both before and after we got married. We love to experience different cultures, get to know different folks and of course, try new cuisines. Once in awhile I try new recipes from other countries, especially the ones which we have had the chance to visit. It makes us feel like we are back in that country whenever we eat their food.

One of our favorite places to shop is the World Market because it gives us the chance to sample certain products from around the world. One time I saw this Tagine from one of their stores. A Tagine is an earthenware pot that is used in traditional Moroccan cooking. It is a circular cooking pot with cone-shaped cover that sits on the base during cooking. The dish cooked in it is also called "Tagine." Since Mark has been to Morocco, I thought I'd cook him some Moroccan style dish.

I love this dish because of the flavor imparted by a lovely mix of spices commonly used in Moroccan cooking. It gives the chicken stew a nice robust and complex flavor. The addition of dried fruits give the dish some texture and added sweetness. Since we like to use fruits (esp. raisins) in Filipino dishes, I thought this dish is perfect for me.     

I didn't actually use the Tagine in cooking the stew but used my regular pan instead. However, a Tagine is always used as a serving dish. At least, the dish looks more authentic this way! :-)

So, if you want to try a different kind of dish, I would highly recommend this. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp each ground ginger, cumin, turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
Freshly squeezed juice of one orange
7 oz package of mixed dried fruits, chopped
A few Tablespoons of raisins (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut up
1/3 cup sliced almonds
Chopped fresh Parsley (optional)

Procedure

Heat the oil to a medium in a large deep pan. Add the garlic and onion. Saute briefly until aromatic, about a minute or less. Do not let the garlic brown. lmmediately, adjust the heat to the lowest setting. Add all the spices and cook gently for about 4-5 mins or until the onion softens.

Pour the orange juice and the dried mixed fruits.  Stir. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the tomato paste and the chicken stock. Add the chicken and coat with the sauce. Bring to a boil. It may look quite thick at this point, but don't worry it will produce some more liquid as the chicken cooks. (I prefer the sauce to be thicker rather than runny).

Cover and simmer for about an hour or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You may add a little water as you cook it if you find that the sauce is too thick for your liking. Adjust seasoning if necessary.  Sprinkle the sliced almonds for garnish or you can also sprinkle it with some chopped fresh parsley instead. This stew is even better the next day!

If you wish to print the recipe, there's a print-friendly icon at the end of the post. Click on the "remove images box" for easy and convenient printing.

Serve hot with rice and plain yogurt on the side, if desired. Enjoy your Moroccan chicken stew.

If you like what you see and would like to receive updates on new recipes, we'd love you to join our site or like us on Facebook. Thanks for stopping by and happy browsing!

Pumpkin Praline Bread

This bread is moist, delicious and with a sweet, nutty praline topping is totally amazing! Fall-perfect - Pumpkin Praline Bread!

Inspired by my Apple Praline Bread, I thought I'd make a pumpkin version of it. After all it's Fall season which means Pumpkin time, too. I also wanted to try a new pumpkin bread recipe. I wasn't sure it was going to work out the first time  I made it but I was pleasantly surprised that it came out well. It was moist and delicious. It was so good that I probably ate half of the loaf (since my hubby is on a grain-free diet and cannot have it - which is not really good for my waist!) while the rest were eaten by the tots.

For this first attempt, I added the nuts only to the Praline topping but, next time, I think I'll add some to the batter as well for that extra crunch in every bite. If you fancy making some pumpkin bread, why not try this one for a change? Have a lovely Fall!

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs (room temp)
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (light or regular)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1/3-1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Praline Topping

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 Tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnut

Procedure

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Lightly grease a large loaf pan. You can line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Mix all Praline Topping ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.

Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk together to mix. Set aside.

Place all the wet ingredients, including the brown and white sugar, in a mixing bowl. Mix together well. Usually, I lightly beat the eggs first and then add the rest.

Fold in the dry ingredients into the wet one. Make sure that everything is well-incorporated and no flour spots appear. Fold in the nuts (if using).

Pour the  batter into the prepared loaf pan. I suggest using a light colored loaf pan so the bread does not get too dark.

Sprinkle the praline topping onto the batter. Distribute the topping as evenly as you can.

Bake for 50 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out with only a few crumbs clinging to it.

Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes then remove it by lifting the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing. This will ensure the bread will not break apart.

If you like what you see and would like to receive new recipe updates, we'd love you to subscribe to our posts or join our site. Needless to say, we'd love you to like us on Facebook too where you can get more recipes and updates. Thanks and happy browsing!

Papaya and Raspberry Smoothie

Here's another lovely smoothie that you can do when you find ripe papayas in the grocery. Try blending it with raspberries and you'll come up with not only a healthy beverage but something that your taste buds will love! Try it!

Ingredients

2 cups ripe papaya, chopped
1-2 cups raspberries
1 cup crushed ice
Sugar or honey, to taste

Procedure

Place all the ingredients in the blender, with the ice at the bottom.
Process till smooth. I use my shake/smoothie button for this.

Note: If you wish to have a creamier version, add some milk (1/4 cup or to taste). When I fancy a Papaya Shake instead of a smoothie then I definitely add milk. :-)

 

 Transfer to a glass and enjoy! 

 

 

Yummy Baked Oatmeal

I am always on the lookout for new breakfast dishes so it won't always be the same old, same old fare. Besides, though oatmeal is a staple in our household, the taste can get boring. But not anymore, adding cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to the mix make this baked oatmeal a sure winner and is the current favorite of the two tots!

We first tasted this oatmeal at Good Earth, a cafe in Holland, and we have loved it ever since. I thought I'll try to re-create it and adjust it to our taste. Here it is. Enjoy your breakfast with this very easy and nutritious oatmeal.

Ingredients

2 cups rolled or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
A pinch or two of ground cloves (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup or half a stick of butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla

.....and, milk for pouring.

Procedure

Preheat the oven to 350F / 180 C. Mix all the ingredients and pour into a greased 9-inch square baking dish. Bake for about 30 minutes.

Take it out of the oven and then let it settle for about 3 mins (only because my family cannot wait longer than this!). Serve warm with milk and dried fruits, if desired. Raisins are particularly perfect for this!



In the summer we enjoy this with fresh berries!

If you wish to print the recipe, there's a print-friendly icon at the end of the post. Click on the "remove images box" for easy printing.

If you like what you see and would like to receive new recipe updates, we'd love you to subscribe to our posts or join our site. Needless to say, we'd love you to like us on Facebook too where you can get more recipes and updates. Thanks and happy browsing!

Filipino (Pinoy) Style Lentil Soup

It's getting really cold now and I miss my favorite Mung Bean dish - Ginisang Munggo - which we often have in the Philippines. When I discovered that lentils have a similar taste and texture to my fave mungo I decided to cook it the same way and I love the result. For this recipe, instead of the usual pork and beef cutlets traditionally added in Ginisang Munggo, I opted for Italian sausages for richer taste and texture. Towards the end of cooking, I added some spinach leaves to pack in extra nutrients!

If you're thinking of one healthy meal to cook for your  family that's full of good flavor without much guilt, you have to try this recipe. My husband particularly loves this and little Sophie eats this with rice!

Just leave out the meat if you want a vegan or vegetarian option. Enjoy this healthy soup (or stew) during the cooler days!





To delete the photos for printing, click on the image box and tick the "remove" button.


Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
5-6 crushed garlic cloves
2 medium size onions, chopped
1 lb Italian or your favorite sausage (mild or hot or a combo), cut/chopped diagonally
5 diced roma tomatoes 
2 Tbsp light soy sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups dried lentils
5 cups of water
1 (10 oz) bag of spinach

Procedure

Heat the olive oil in a deep pan. Sauté the garlic and onions until the onions are tender about 3-4 mins.

Add the sausages and cook until brown. Stir in the tomatoes and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper then cook for another 3-4 minutes. In the meantime, rinse the lentils and drain. Add the lentils and water to the sausages and vegetables then bring to a boil.

  

Simmer covered for about an hour or until lentils are tender. Finally, add the spinach and cook just until it's wilted.

Adjust seasoning to your taste. Serve hot on its own or paired with bread or rice.

If you wish to print the recipe, there's a print-friendly icon at the end of the post. Click on the "remove images" box for easy and convenient printing.

If you like what you see and would like to receive new recipe updates we'd love you to join our site, like us on Facebook or follow us on Pinerest. Thanks for stopping by Manila Spoon and happy browsing!