Tajine, a delectable dish resembling a frittata, combines eggs, meat (often chicken or lamb), potatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. This savory mixture is baked until it achieves a golden, crispy top, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The dish is hearty and versatile, making it perfect for any meal of the day.

The name "tajine" refers to both the dish and the earthenware pot in which it is traditionally cooked. Originating from North Africa, particularly Morocco, tajine has been a staple of Maghrebi cuisine for centuries. The cooking method, which involves slow-cooking over a low flame, allows the ingredients to meld together, creating rich and complex flavors. Over time, various regions and cultures have put their own spin on the dish, incorporating local ingredients and spices, but the essence of tajine remains rooted in its North African heritage. This particular variation, similar to a frittata, highlights the adaptability of tajine, showcasing its ability to blend culinary traditions.

Ingredients

- 6 large eggs

- 1 pound chicken or lamb, diced

- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method of Preparation

Prepare the Ingredients:

  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

  - Add the diced potatoes and cook until they start to soften and turn golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  - In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Meat:

  - Add the diced chicken or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

  - Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the meat is well-coated with the spices.

Combine Ingredients:

  - Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the meat mixture.

  - In a large bowl, beat the eggs until well combined, then pour them over the meat and potato mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to ensure even distribution.

Bake the Tajine:

  - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

  - Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve:

  - Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

  - Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Tajine, a perfect blend of eggs, meat, potatoes, and spices!

Nutrition Value:

6 large eggs

  - Calories: 420

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Protein: 36g

  - Fat: 30g

  - Sodium: 420mg

  - Cholesterol: 1110mg

  - Vitamins: A, B2, B5, B12, D

  - Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, selenium, zinc

Benefit: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals that support eye health, brain function, and overall energy levels.

1 pound chicken or lamb, diced

Chicken:

   - Calories: 800

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 100g

   - Fat: 44g

   - Sodium: 280mg

   - Cholesterol: 320mg

Lamb:

   - Calories: 1100

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 92g

   - Fat: 88g

   - Sodium: 330mg

   - Cholesterol: 400mg

  - Vitamins: B3, B6, B12

  - Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, zinc

Benefit: Both chicken and lamb are excellent sources of protein and essential nutrients that support muscle growth and repair. Lamb is also particularly rich in iron and zinc, which are crucial for blood health and immune function.

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

  - Calories: 330

  - Carbohydrates: 74g

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 0.4g

  - Sodium: 20mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: C, B6

  - Minerals: Potassium, magnesium

Benefit: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy. They also contain important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which are essential for immune function and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

1 onion, finely chopped

  - Calories: 45

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: C, B6

  - Minerals: Potassium, manganese

Benefit: Onions are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can support heart health and immune function.

2 cloves garlic, minced

  - Calories: 8

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: C, B6

  - Minerals: Manganese, selenium

Benefit: Garlic is known for its strong flavor and numerous health benefits, including its ability to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.

1 teaspoon ground cumin

  - Calories: 8

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Fat: 0.5g

  - Sodium: 4mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: A, C, E

  - Minerals: Iron, magnesium

Benefit: Cumin is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It aids digestion and can help control blood sugar levels.

1 teaspoon ground coriander

  - Calories: 5

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0.3g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: C, K

  - Minerals: Iron, magnesium

Benefit: Coriander is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to aid in digestion and support healthy skin.

1 teaspoon paprika

  - Calories: 6

  - Carbohydrates: 1.2g

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Fat: 0.3g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: A, E, B6

  - Minerals: Iron, magnesium

Benefit: Paprika is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support vision, immune health, and have anti-inflammatory effects.

1 teaspoon salt

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 2325mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Sodium

Benefit: Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper muscle function, but it should be used in moderation to avoid high blood pressure.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  - Calories: 3

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: K, A

  - Minerals: Iron, manganese

Benefit: Black pepper is known to enhance nutrient absorption and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

3 tablespoons olive oil

  - Calories: 360

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 40.5g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: E, K

  - Minerals: None

Benefit: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  - Calories: 2 (per tablespoon)

  - Carbohydrates: 0.4g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: A, C, K

  - Minerals: Iron, calcium

Benefit: Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb that provides vitamins and minerals supporting bone health, vision, and immune function. It also has antioxidant properties.