Chicken Green Pea Casserole (Tbekha)
A full meal in a pot. Tajin or Tabekha in North Africa, casserole, cassoulet or stew for the rest of the world, chicken thighs and green peas are flavored with Mediterranean spices and cooked together till flavors blend to a perfect dish for warming a chilly autumn night. A perfect dish for cumin lovers. Serve with couscous or brown rice for the full North African experience.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs skin on or skinned and de-boned
- 2 cups green peas
- 1 red onion finely chopped
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme only the leafs
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp dry ground coriander optional
- ½ tsp hot paprika chili powder
- 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup wine
- Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat two table spoons olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. The pot should accommodate the chicken thighs in one layer
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs, and cook in pot till lightly brown on both sides. Take out of pot and set aside.
- Add one table spoon of olive oil and let it heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic and thyme leafs. Sauté till lightly golden.
- Add peas and spices to pot. Stir lightly to allow for even heating.
- Add wine and water to the pot up to pea’s level. Bring to a boil.
- Return chicken thighs to the pot, mix gently and cover.
- Adjust flame to low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Mix once mid way.
- Serve over couscous, amaranth, quinoa, rice or simply with a nice piece of healthy bread.
Notes
- If using frozen green peas, place peas in a bowl and cover with lukewarm water to allow peas to thaw. Empty water once peas have thawed.
- You can use any chicken parts you like, yet I personally prefer the dark meat for casserole dishes. I find it more moist. Experiment with different parts and different meats till you get your favorite combination.
- The liquids can be wine, stock or water – all a question of availability and likes dislikes.
- Be gentle on the chili pepper: if you suffer from pepper heat, reduce the amount to avoid the burn…
- Going vegetarian? This dish is as perfect with mushrooms, tofu or simply without the chicken!
- This dish can be cooked in advance and then reheated over low heat for dinner or even dinner next day. Just make sure you refrigerate it properly until serving.