Zucchini Tajine

  Here is a professional recipe for Moroccan Zucchini Tajine. This dish combines the flavors of zucchini, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, with the option to add meat or chicken for a heartier meal. It's perfect for serving with couscous, bread, or rice.

Servings: 4-6 people  
Preparation Time: 20 minutes  
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes  

Ingredients:

 For the Base:

•  4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes, 400g)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

 Optional Protein:

•  500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cubed (or lamb/mutton, if preferred)
•  1 tablespoon butter (if using meat)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1/4 cup green olives (optional, for authenticity)
• 1/4 cup preserved lemons, chopped (optional, for tanginess)

 Instructions:

 Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds.
2. Dice the tomatoes and slice the onions thinly.
3. Mince the garlic cloves.
4. If using preserved lemons, rinse them under cold water and chop finely.

 Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic

1.  Heat the olive oil in a large tajine dish or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

 Step 3: Add Spices

1.  Sprinkle the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, and saffron water if using) over the onions and garlic.
2. Stir well to combine and toast the spices for about 1 minute, ensuring they don’t burn.

 Step 4: Add Protein (Optional)

1.  If using chicken or meat, increase the heat to medium-high and add a tablespoon of butter.
2. Brown the chicken or meat pieces on all sides until golden.
3. Remove the protein from the pot and set aside.

 Step 5: Build the Tajine

1.  Add the diced tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and tomato paste (if using) to the pot.
2. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Return the cooked protein to the pot (if using).
4. Layer the zucchini slices on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
5. Pour in the broth (if using) to ensure there’s enough liquid for cooking.

 Step 6: Simmer the Tajine

1.  Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. The zucchinis should become tender, and the flavors should meld together.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

 Step 7: Finish and Serve

1.  In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the green olives and chopped preserved lemons (if using) for added flavor.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
3. Serve hot with steamed couscous, crusty bread, or plain white rice.

 Tips for Success:

•  Saffron: Soak saffron threads in warm water before adding to the dish for maximum flavor.
•  Preserved Lemons: These are traditional in Moroccan cooking but can be omitted if unavailable.
•  Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat/chicken and use more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Enjoy your delicious Moroccan Zucchini Tajine!