Fragrant Moroccan Chicken M'hammar with Saffron

Name: Fragrant Moroccan Chicken M'hammar with Saffron
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Whole chicken; Ground ginger; Paprika; Ground cumin; Olive oil; Garlic cloves; Salt and pepper; Saffron threads; Warm water; Onions; Fresh cilantro; Fresh parsley; Lemon juice; Olive oil; Almonds; Raisins

A Traditional Moroccan Feast

Discover the aromatic flavors of Morocco with this exquisite chicken dish infused with spices and saffron.

2 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

Whole chicken

about 3-4 lbs, cut into pieces

Ground ginger

2 tbsp

Paprika

2 tbsp

Ground cumin

1 tbsp

Olive oil

2 tbsp

Garlic cloves

4 cloves, minced

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Saffron Infusion

Saffron threads

1 pinch

Warm water

1 cup

For the Sauce

Onions

2, finely chopped

Fresh cilantro

1/2 cup, chopped

Fresh parsley

1/2 cup, chopped

Lemon juice

Juice of 1 lemon

Olive oil

1/4 cup

For Garnishing

Almonds

1/4 cup, toasted

Raisins

1/4 cup, soaked in warm water until plump

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine spices and oil

In a large bowl, combine ground ginger, paprika, cumin, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Rub marinade onto chicken

Rub the mixture thoroughly onto the chicken pieces.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Ensure the chicken is covered well while marinating to prevent drying. Pro Tip: Use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavor and moisture.

Preparing the Saffron Infusion

Steep saffron

Place saffron threads in a small bowl.

Add warm water

Pour warm water over the saffron and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.

Cooking Process

Browning the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sear marinated chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown.

Timing: 15 min. Heat: Medium-High

Sautéing the Aromatics

Remove the chicken and reduce heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, then stir in the saffron infusion, cilantro, and parsley.

Timing: 15 min. Heat: Low

Final Cooking

Return the chicken to the pot, squeeze lemon juice over it, cover, and simmer until completely cooked and tender.

Heat: Low

Plating & Serving