Shtit’ha Djej (Chicken Tagine)

“Averduce” – mild version of a spicy standard. Appealing, attractive, surprise on the pallet.

Sh’tit’ha Jaj is very popular in Algeria, most of the time served as an entrée after chorba frik and bourek. Ch’ti’tha Jaj is served with homemade bread. We like to dip a piece of bread in the chickpeas and chicken sauce, so yummy!

Tips & tricks: I sometimes serve it with French fries on the side. Algerians like to accompany fries with anything.

 4 servings – Prep. and cook time 50 mnts. Ingredients:

3 chicken quarters

3 fresh tomatoes

4 tbsp of table oil

4 cloves of garlic

2 tbsp tomato paste

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp ground cumin

4 grains of cubeb (whole)

1 tsp thyme

Salt to taste

1 cup canned chickpeas

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Blend three fresh tomatoes in the mixer with the four cloves of garlic.

2.  On medium heat, pour the tomato garlic mix in a cooking pot, add the chicken quarters, table oil, tomato paste, thyme, cumin, salt, and four cubeb pellets.

3. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.

4.  Cover the chicken quarters with hot water, place a lid and let cook for 20 minutes.

5.   Add chickpeas and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until chicken is soft.

6. Take off heat.

7.  Serve warm.