This Fez-style fried chicken is a delightful Moroccan dish infused with the vibrant flavors of saffron, lemon, garlic, and onions. Marinated to perfection and cooked with a fragrant Charmoula sauce, this recipe will bring the exotic taste of Morocco to your kitchen. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that's sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium-sized chickens, marinated in lemon and salt for 2 hours
- 6 onions, chopped
- A small amount of chopped cassava and mint
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons of saffron
- 1 tablespoon of ginger
- 1 preserved lemon, sliced à la Julienne
- 1 teaspoon of ghee (smen)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Begin by marinating the chickens in lemon and salt for two hours. This will infuse the chicken with a tangy flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Charmoula:
- In a large pot, combine the chopped cassava, mint, black pepper, ginger, saffron, and chopped garlic.
- Add a small amount of water to the mixture to form a thick paste.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Immerse the marinated chickens in the pot with the Charmoula mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- Make a small incision between the sides of each chicken and tuck the legs in to keep the chickens compact.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chickens back in the pot and pour any remaining Charmoula over them.
- Allow the chickens to absorb the Charmoula for about half an hour.
- Add 1-2 cups of water to the pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chickens are well browned.
- Add Onions and Ghee:
- Once the chickens are browned, add the chopped onions, preserved lemon, and ghee to the pot.
- Continue cooking until the onions are softened.
- Finish Cooking:
- When the onions are fully cooked, add half a cup of oil to the pot.
- Mix well and continue stirring until the onions soften further and separate from the oil.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the chickens with vegetable oil to ensure a crispy skin.
- Place the chickens in the oven and bake until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
Et voila! Optionally, you can add Kalamata olives and lay french fries on top and enjoy your Fez-style chicken with preserved lemon, a dish rich with the aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine!