This chicken and vegetable stew is seasoned with a unique spice mix that gives it great aroma and flavor. While traditional tagines are cooked in pottery with the same name, our version is made in the slow-cooker which helps to concentrate all those great flavors.
Chicken - Season with some salt and pepper and tenderize with a fork. (If you are in a rush, you can skip this next step, but it will add more flavor to your finished dish) Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and then chicken to heated oil. Cook chicken until browned, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
Lemons - Prep as directed. Keep zest and juice separate.
Garbanzo beans - Drain and rinse.
Slow-cook tagine - Combine chicken, tomato paste, raisins, water, garbanzo beans, sweet potatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, lemon zest, spice mix, salt and pepper in the bowl of a slow cooker. Slow-cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours).
Couscous - If you have couscous leftover from Monday, skip this step. If you don’t have couscous leftover from Monday’s dinner, measure out ¼ cup each of dry couscous and liquid (stock or water) for each serving (for 4 servings, use 1 cup couscous and 1 cup liquid). Heat the liquid in a small saucepan until boiling. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the couscous and cover with the lid. Allow to sit, covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper. (Can be done up to 3 days ahead)