Chtitha Djej

Ingredients

What you’ll need

• 3 lb/1.35 kg chicken pieces
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1/2-1 tsp hot paprika or cayenne
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp tomato paste, optional
• 2 cups/475 ml water or stock
• 1 1/2 cups/250 g cooked chickpeas
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Chopped cilantro or parsley

Method

How it comes together

1. 1

   Pound garlic with paprika, hot pepper, cumin, black pepper, salt, and 1 tbsp water to form a dersa paste.

2. 2

   Brown chicken in oil. Add dersa and tomato paste and fry 1 minute without scorching.

3. 3

   Add water, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Add chickpeas and cook until chicken reaches 165°F/74°C and sauce is reduced, about 15 minutes more.

4. 4

   Finish with lemon and herbs.