Chicken tagine with apricots

2 medium onions

2 garlic cloves

10 ready-to-eat dried apricots

300ml stock – reduced salt

2 x 15ml spoons oil

8 small chicken thighs

Ground pepper

Large pinch saffron threads, crushed (optional)

1 x15ml spoon ground ginger

1 x 15ml spoon ground cumin

1 x 15 ml spoon ground cinnamon

1 lemon

2 x 15ml spoons honey

Small handful coriander

4 x 15ml spoons flaked almonds, toasted (optional)

Couscous to serve

Pomegranate seeds (optional)

Fresh mixed herbs, chopped

Chopping board, vegetable knife, garlic crusher, lemon squeezer, measuring jug, kettle, large saucepan, spatula.

1. Prepare the ingredients:
   • peel and chop the onions;
   • peel and crush the garlic;
   • cut the dried apricots into quarters;
   • juice the lemon;
   • make up 300ml of stock;
   • chop the coriander.
2. In a large saucepan heat 1 x 15ml spoon of the oil.
3. Season the chicken and brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the remaining oil, onions, garlic and a pinch of ground pepper. Sauté for 10 minutes until softened and golden.
5. Add the spices, sauté for 1 minute, then add the chicken, apricots, lemon juice, honey and half the coriander.
6. Pour in the water or stock and cook on a low heat for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Cut into a thick chunk of chicken to check that it is cooked through.
8. Sprinkle with the almonds and remaining coriander and serve with warm herby couscous and pomegranate seeds.

• Try using chunks of lamb instead of chicken.
• Try dried cherries or sultanas instead of chopped apricots.

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