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Below is a professional recipe for Potato Tajine that combines the rich flavors of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. This dish is inspired by traditional Moroccan tajine cooking, which emphasizes slow-cooked ingredients with aromatic spices.
Servings: 4-6 people
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Tajine:
- 800g (1.75 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 3 large tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes, 400g)
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sweet paprika (or smoked paprika for depth)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried apricots
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for subtle sweetness)
- 1 tbsp honey or date syrup (optional, for balance)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Dice the tomatoes if using fresh ones. If using canned tomatoes, drain any excess liquid.
- Slice the onions thinly and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large tajine pot or a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spices:
- Sprinkle the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the onions and garlic.
- Stir well to combine and toast the spices for about 1 minute, ensuring they don’t burn.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) to the pot and stir to mix with the spiced onions.
- Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the potato chunks, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add more water or broth to cover the potatoes halfway.
5. Simmer the Tajine:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the tajine simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The potatoes should become tender, and the sauce should thicken slightly.
6. Optional Enhancements:
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, you can add green olives, raisins, or dried apricots for added flavor and texture.
- If using a cinnamon stick or honey, stir them in during this stage as well.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the tajine and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
8. Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, couscous, or steamed rice.
Tips for Success
- Use a traditional clay tajine pot if available for authentic results, but a regular saucepan works just as well.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference; adding cayenne pepper will give it a mild kick.
- For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some toasted almonds or sesame seeds on top before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Potato Tajine! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
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