Tajine – The flavors of Morocco in a clay pot

When we think of Morocco, we think of the colorful bustle of the souks, the smell of spices and slow-cooked, richly flavored dishes. Among these, the tajine stands out , which is not only the name of a dish, but also of a special cooking pot. The tajine is the symbol of Moroccan cuisine and offers a true culinary experience for those who like to delve into the art of slow cooking.

What is tajine?

The word tajine refers to both the clay pot with a conical lid and the food cooked in it. The special feature of the pot is that the lid directs the evaporating moisture back into the food, making the meat and vegetables particularly juicy and tender. This cooking technique is perfectly adapted to the climate of North Africa, where in the past there was often little water available.

Variants of tajine

Tajine is not a single recipe, but rather a cooking style that has many variations. The most well-known variations are:

• Chicken with lemon and olives – a fresh, tangy flavor that is one of the most popular Moroccan dishes.

• Lamb with prunes or dates – a sweet and savory combination that is a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine.

• Vegetable tajine – a rich, spicy vegetarian version, often made with seasonal ingredients.

Spices always play a prominent role: cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron and coriander give the dish its special aroma.

How is it consumed?

Tajine is traditionally eaten with freshly baked bread, which is dipped directly into the thick sauce in the pot. Less commonly, it is also served with couscous, but bread is the most authentic accompaniment.

Why is tajine such a special experience?

• Its strength lies in its slowness – tajine is not a rushed dish, but requires time, and can even cook over low heat for several hours.

• A communal dish – often eaten together by family members or friends from a large bowl.

• A travel experience – anyone visiting Morocco will almost certainly encounter it, from the simplest street food stall to the most beautiful riad restaurant.

Tajine at home

Although the best tajine is found in Morocco, the pot itself is now easily available. If you want to try it at home, it's worth buying a good quality tajine, or even a cast iron version. The key is to cook slowly, patiently, and don't skimp on the spices.

Chicken Tajine with Lemon and Olives – A Taste of Morocco on the Table

If you only want to try one Moroccan dish at home, this chicken tajine with lemon and olives should be it! This dish is a true classic: salty olives, lemons marinated in refreshingly sour salt, and fragrant spices create a perfect harmony. Not only is it delicious, it's also easy to make, and it captures the magic of Moroccan cuisine in every bite.

Recipe: Chicken Tajine with Lemon and Olives

Ingredients (for 4 people):

• 1 whole chicken (or 4–6 chicken thighs)

• 2 onions, finely chopped

• 2-3 cloves of garlic

• 2 lemons, salted (if not available, grated lemon peel + fresh lemon juice)

• 150 g green olives

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• salt, pepper to taste

• fresh coriander and parsley for serving

Preparation:

1. Heat the olive oil in a tajine pot or thick-walled saucepan.

2. Add the onion and garlic, then fry until translucent.

3. Season with ginger, turmeric and cumin, mix.

4. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, then stir in the spicy onion.

5. Add about 1 cup of water, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes until the chicken is tender.

6. Meanwhile, cut the lemon that has been marinated in salt into quarters, then add the lemon pieces and olives during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

7. When ready, sprinkle with fresh coriander and parsley.

Serving:

It is traditionally eaten with fresh Moroccan bread, which is also used to soak up the juice.