Moroccan-style chicken with lentils

600 kcal or less casserole chicken chicken stock chopped tomato chopped tomatoes coriander cumin dried apricot dried apricots garlic clove garlic cloves lentil lentils mains make ahead one-pot onion onions over an hour paprika spicy stew warming

N/A

Serves 2 adults and 2-3 children

Source

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

8 skinless boneless chicken thighs

2 garlic cloves , crushed

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp ground coriander seeds

1 tbsp sweet paprika

1 large onion , finely sliced

50g split red lentil

400g can chopped tomato

1 tbsp tomato ketchup

700ml chicken stock

1 cinnamon stick

200g whole dried apricot

handful mint leaves, to serve (optional)

Method

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Rub 1 tbsp olive oil into the chicken thighs. Mix the garlic, cumin, coriander and paprika together, then rub all over the chicken thighs on both sides.

Heat a large flameproof casserole, add the chicken thighs and cook over a medium heat for 5 mins until golden on both sides. You might need to do this in 2 batches, depending on the size of the casserole. Set the chicken aside. Turn down the heat, add the remaining oil and fry the onion for 5 mins until softened.

Stir in the rest of the ingredients, apart from the mint and bring to the boil. Place the chicken thighs on top and pour in any juices. Cover and cook for 1½ hrs, until the meat is tender and the sauce thickened. Can be cooled and frozen at this stage for up to 1 month. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge, then gently warm through. Scatter with fresh mint leaves and serve with couscous or rice.