I was in one of my favorite shops where I live and as always looking through the recipe books! I came across a yummy tagine and couscous book and the recipe that stood out to me was this a chicken, apricot and almond tagine. I was very tempted to get the book but managed to resist! However I was inspired to make a tagine and had chicken and dried apricots at home so thought I would make up my own take on the recipe trying to remember some of the ingredients in it. I think it came out pretty well actually, so here it is ….

Chicken, Orange and Apricot Tagine

(Serves 4)

350g Chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)

3 Oranges (juice)

50g dried apricots (chopped)

2 large tomato’s (chopped)

400g tin cannellini beans

1dessert spoon honey

1 onion

1 garlic clove

2 cloves

1 tsp cumin

1tsp ginger

½ tsp cinnamon

3 cups water

1tsp coconut oil

Salt and pepper

Mint (optional)

Melt the coconut oil in a pan and add the chicken thighs and onion and fry until golden, then add the garlic and spices to coat the chicken and fry for a further 2 minutes. Next add the chopped tomato’s and cook for another 2 minutes.

Squeeze the juice from the oranges and add this to the pan along with the water and rapidly boil for 5 minutes. Turn down the heat and add the cannellini beans, chopped apricots and season well. Put a lid on the pan and cook for 30minutes.

Serve this dish with brown rice or couscous and a sprinkle of mint

Key ingredients and nutrients

Chicken– Very high protein source and rich in zinc these promote growth and healing of the tissues and muscles.

Cannellini beans– Rich in protein, low in fat and a good source of dietary fiber. Also they have a low GI index meaning they provide you with slow releasing energy.

Apricots-Packed with vitamins and high in fiber. Opt for organic dried apricots as these don’t contain evil sulphates that are normally in normal dried apricots!