Let yourself be seduced by the delicate flavours of chicken tagine with black cumin. This traditional Moroccan dish is simple to make, as well as being rich in flavour. In this article, we reveal all the secrets to making a successful tagine, and impressing your guests.

What is black cumin?

The black cumin seedsBlack cumin, also known as black cumin or habba sawda, is a spice native to the Middle East, used particularly in Moroccan cooking. Its black seeds are slightly bitter and have a spicy taste reminiscent of pepper and onion. In addition to its taste, black cumin also has recognised medicinal properties.

Ingredients for a successful chicken tagine with black cumin

Pieces chicken (thighs, breasts...)
Chopped onions
Chopped garlic
Red pepper, diced
Black cumin seeds
Ground cinnamon
Grated fresh ginger
Paprika
Ground cumin
A touch of honey
Diced or chopped tomatoes
Candied lemon
Fresh herbs (coriander, flat-leaf parsley, etc.)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Making the chicken tagine with nigella step by step

Follow these steps to make a delicious chicken tagine with nigella :

1. Prepare the chicken pieces

Cut your chicken into pieces, keeping the bones for added flavour. Make incisions in each piece to allow the spices to penetrate the flesh.

2. Mix the spices

Mix together a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a teaspoon of grated ginger, a teaspoon of paprika, a teaspoon of ground cumin and a tablespoon of black cumin seeds. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Brown the chicken

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a wide-bottomed pan, such as a saute pan or casserole dish. Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Cook the vegetables

Use the same frying pan to brown the onions chopped garlic and diced red pepper until tender. You can add a small glass of water to deglaze the juices from the chicken;

5. Add the spices and the rest of the ingredients

Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the spice mixture. Then add a touch of honey, the diced or crushed tomatoes and the preserved lemon cut into small pieces.

6. Leave to simmer

Return the chicken pieces to the pan with the other ingredients. Cover and simmer over a low heat for around 30 to 45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and fragrant.

Best practices for a successful chicken tagine with black cumin

Respect Cooking times: a well-cooked chicken that is not too dry is essential for a successful tagine.
Vary vegetables to suit the season and your tastes: courgettes, carrots, olives, etc.
Add dried fruit for a sweet and savoury note: raisins, apricots, prunes...
Serve hot tagine with couscous, rice or semolina.
Sublime Add fresh herbs (coriander, flat-leaf parsley) just before serving.

Chicken tagine with nigella is a warm and friendly dish full of oriental flavours. Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes and give free rein to your culinary imagination to delight your loved ones.