Description
Moroccan chicken soup brings warmth and spice to your kitchen with an aromatic blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and North African seasonings. Rich harissa and comforting chickpeas create a soul-satisfying meal that invites you to savor each complex, delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 500g (1.1 pounds) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
- 425g (15 ounces) of chickpeas, washed and dried
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of sweet red pepper
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, mashed
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 850g (30 ounces) of mashed tomatoes
- 1.5 cups of water
- ½ cup of raisins
- ¼ cup of fresh coriander
- 3 cups of hot-cooked couscous
Instructions
- Combine chicken pieces with flour, ground coriander, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the spices to infuse the meat thoroughly.
- Warm extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot, browning them evenly on all sides for 6-7 minutes, ensuring a golden exterior.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, drained chickpeas, 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) of water, golden raisins, and pitted green olives. Increase heat to high, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the mixture for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the chicken.
- Gently fold in the couscous, allowing it to absorb the flavorful liquid for 5-6 minutes until it becomes tender and fully expanded.
- Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, and serve hot in deep bowls, capturing the aromatic Mediterranean-inspired stew.
Notes
- Customize the soup by swapping out ingredients to match your taste preferences or what’s in your pantry.
- Toss in cubed sweet potato for a hearty, nutritious boost that adds creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
- Elevate the soup’s flavor profile by incorporating butternut squash, which brings rich, velvety depth to the dish.
- Introduce lentils for an extra protein punch and satisfying earthy undertones that complement the Moroccan spices.
- Kick up the heat with chili powder or a diced jalapeno, transforming the soup into a spicy adventure for bold palates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 85 g
- Fiber: 13 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg