Harissa bil Djaj (Libyan Chicken Harissa)
Photo: Lekhashree G, CC BY-SA 4.0
Harissa bil djaj is a Libyan chicken stew simmered in a spicy tomato sauce. Its character comes from the spice mix: cumin, paprika, coriander and caraway sit under the heat of harissa and cayenne, and caraway in particular gives it a earthy note you will not find in many chicken pots. Because the heat is set by the cayenne, you can tune it easily. Serve it with bread or couscous.
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion turns translucent and the garlic smells fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, turning them as each side colors.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, harissa, cumin, paprika, cayenne, coriander, caraway, salt and pepper. Mix well so every piece of chicken is coated in the spices.
Pour in the water or broth and bring the pot to a boil. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 1 hour, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Let the dish rest for a few minutes so the flavors settle together.
Serve hot, scattered with chopped parsley, with bread or couscous alongside to mop up the sauce.
Better meat, delivered.
Premium cuts shipped to your door. Skip the grocery store and cook with quality you can taste.
Shop Meatzy →Affiliate link · PicksByRecipe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
