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Chtitha djej
Algerian chicken in a garlicky red paprika sauce with chickpeas
Chtitha djej is the everyday chicken of Algerian homes from Algiers to Constantine: chicken pieces simmered in a red sauce of paprika, cayenne, garlic and caraway with chickpeas, reduced until thick and clinging. It is mopped up with khobz or matlouh flatbread. The mistake is burning the garlic and paprika when they go into the oil, which turns the sauce bitter; keep the heat moderate and add water as soon as they smell toasted. Chef's tip: add a squeeze of lemon right at the end to brighten the spices.
- Total time
- 65 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over a medium heat. Add 2 ⅝ lb chicken thighs and drumsticks and 1 onion and cook for 8 minutes, turning, until the chicken is lightly coloured.
8 minStep 2: Lower the heat and add 6 garlic cloves, 2 tsp sweet paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp ground caraway and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant, without letting it burn.
1 minStep 3: Add 2 cups water, 1 ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper and 1 bay leaf, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
25 minStep 4: Add 14 oz cooked chickpeas and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes more, until the sauce is thick and red. The chicken must reach 165°F.
15 minStep 5: Stir in ½ lemon, scatter with 2 tbsp chopped coriander and serve with bread.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 480 kcal
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbs
- 18 g
- Fat
- 26 g
- Fibre
- 5 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does chtitha djej take?
- About 65 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Is it very spicy?
- It has some heat. Use less chilli for a milder version, or more if you like it hot.
- What can I use instead of onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
- What can I use instead of garlic cloves?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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