Tajin Zitoun is a traditional Algerian dish that combines tender chicken (or lamb) with flavorful spices and olives, creating a dish rich in aromas and taste. It is part of the larger Maghrebi tagine tradition, where meats and vegetables are slow-cooked to perfection. The name "Zitoun" means "olives" in Arabic, highlighting the central ingredient of this dish. Algerian cuisine has deep roots in Berber, Arab, and Ottoman influences, and Tajin Zitoun is often served during family gatherings or special occasions, reflecting the country’s cultural and culinary heritage.
Tajin Zitoun traces its origins back to the Berber people of North Africa, who have been preparing slow-cooked meals in traditional earthenware pots (called tagines) for centuries. The introduction of olives into Algerian cooking came during the Arab expansion and trade routes that passed through the Mediterranean region. This dish, popularized during the Ottoman period in Algeria, became a staple in many households. Its combination of spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger represents Algeria’s rich spice trade history, and the use of olives is a nod to the Mediterranean’s abundant olive groves.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 to 10 portions
- 4 tbsp chopped parsley
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup green pitted olives or pimento-stuffed olives
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Water (enough to cover the chicken)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and chicken pieces.
3. Season with salt, pepper, ginger, and turmeric. Be careful with the salt, as the olives will add their natural brininess.
4. Add lemon juice and 2 tbsp of chopped parsley. Sauté for 10 minutes.
5. Add sliced carrots and enough hot water to cover the chicken. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender.
6. While the chicken is cooking, boil the olives for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
7. Once the chicken is tender, add the boiled olives to the pan. Cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce.
8. Optional: Remove the chicken pieces and brown them in a separate pan with 1 tbsp butter or olive oil.
9. Check the seasoning, then turn off the heat.
10. Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve with bread or couscous.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 to 10 portions
- Calories: 160-190 calories per serving (depending on cuts and skin inclusion)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Fat: 8-12 g (varies by part and whether skin is included)
- Sodium: 60-75 mg (varies)
- Cholesterol: 85-100 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in B vitamins (B6, B12, niacin)
- Minerals: Good source of iron, phosphorus, and zinc
- Nutritional benefit: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. It also provides important vitamins and minerals that support immune health, energy production, and red blood cell formation.
2. 4 tbsp chopped parsley
- Calories: 4 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, and K
- Minerals: Contains calcium, iron, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Parsley is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. It also supports bone health due to its high vitamin K content and may help improve digestion.
3. 4 medium carrots, sliced
- Calories: 100-120 calories
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin K
- Minerals: Contains potassium, calcium, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Carrots are excellent for eye health due to their high beta-carotene content. They also offer a good source of fiber, which aids digestion, and they help boost the immune system.
4. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Calories: 44-50 calories
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C, vitamin B6
- Minerals: Contains manganese, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Onions have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants. They support heart health, help regulate blood sugar levels, and may aid in cancer prevention.
5. 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Calories: 16 calories
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Fat: 0.05 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Rich in manganese, selenium
- Nutritional benefit: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. It also helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and has antibacterial and antiviral benefits.
6. 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Calories: 4 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Lemon juice is a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, aids in digestion, and promotes skin health. It also has antioxidant properties.
7. 1 tsp turmeric
- Calories: 9 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Rich in iron, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may also improve brain function and lower the risk of heart disease.
8. 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- Calories: 2 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0.4 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains manganese, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Ginger is widely known for its digestive benefits and ability to reduce nausea. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with muscle pain and soreness.
9. 2 tbsp olive oil
- Calories: 239 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 27 g (primarily monounsaturated fats)
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E, K
- Minerals: Trace amounts of iron, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Olive oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. It is also rich in antioxidants and supports healthy cholesterol levels.
10. 1 cup green pitted olives or pimento-stuffed olives
- Calories: 150-170 calories
- Carbohydrates: 5-6 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 1,200-1,400 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin E, A
- Minerals: High in iron, copper, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Olives are a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants. They help reduce inflammation and support heart health but should be consumed in moderation due to their high sodium content.
11. 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2,300 mg (per tsp)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional benefit: Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. However, excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
12. 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Calories: 3 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C, K
- Minerals: Contains calcium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Black pepper is rich in antioxidants and may aid digestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve nutrient absorption in other foods.
13. Water (enough to cover the chicken)
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Nutritional benefit: Water is essential for hydration and helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall bodily functions.
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