TAJINE MALSOUKA -- TUNISIAN CHICKEN 'TAGINE' PHYLLO PIE

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Tajine Malsouka -- Tunisian Chicken 'tagine' Phyllo Pie image

When most people think of a tagine, they think of a thick, saucy, often fruity dish. In Tunisia though, that couldn't be further from the truth. This Tunisian masterpiece is a lot of work but is perfect for dinner parties & special occasions. It is a little like Moroccan Pastilla but without all the icing sugar! For greatest effect, serve this warm on a rimless cake stand!

Provided by Um Safia

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 2h15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 kg chicken thigh (on the bone with skin)
3 medium brown onions, peeled & diced
1 -2 teaspoon crushed saffron threads mixed with a little water (or 1/2 tsp fresh ground nutmeg)
200 -250 ml water
12 large rounds phyllo pastry (10-inchx12-incheach in diameter)
100 g gruyere cheese, grated (or other hard cheese)
4 large eggs, beaten
salt & ground black pepper
250 g ricotta cheese, thinly sliced
2 egg yolks mixed with 1-2 tsp vegetable oil to glaze
vegetable oil, for frying & for brushing the pastry layers & dish

Steps:

  • In a frying pan, fry the onion in a little of the vegetable oil for a few minutes until it is softened. Add the chicken & the water, cover then cook for 45 minutes in a medium heat or until the chicken is cooken through, turning the thighs from time to time.
  • Preheat oven to 190c / 375f/ GM5.
  • Discard the chicken skin, remove the meat from the bones & place the pieces in a bowl.
  • Pour the saffron or ground nutmeg paste over the chicken, then stir in the grated cheese and 2-3 tbsp of water to make an 'unctous mixture'. Stir in the beaten eggs & season with the salt & pepper to taste.
  • Generously oil an ovenproof pie or quiche dish about the same zie as the rounds of phyllo. Overlap 5 sheets so that at least 1/3 of the phyllo is allowed to hang over the sides of the dish, remembering to lightly brush each sheet with the vegetable oil. Place a final 6th piece of phyllo over the top of the others - this one should be central so that it reinforces the base a little.
  • Pour in most of the chicken mixture, followed by a layer of sliced ricotta then a final layer of the chicken.
  • Fold the overhanging phyllo pastry over the top so that is wrapped but not too tight. Stick the edges together using a pastry brush & the glaze. Place another sheet of phyllo on top, tucking the edges into the dish, followed by 4 more sheets of phyllo, being sure to brush them with the glaze as you go. Finish by brushing more g;ase on the top.
  • Place the tagine on a low shelf in the oven for around 20-25 minutes. The pastry should be crisp & deep golden when the dish is ready.
  • Serve hot, on a flat dish & cut into slices as you would a cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 565.1, Fat 39.6, SaturatedFat 15, Cholesterol 320.6, Sodium 266.7, Carbohydrate 7.1, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 2.8, Protein 43.1

Ramatu Kassim
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I'm so glad I tried this tajine malsouka! It's now one of my favorite dishes. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the phyllo pie crust is flaky and delicious.


Joka KReid
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This tajine malsouka is a must-try! The chicken is so flavorful and tender, and the phyllo pie crust is perfectly crispy. I highly recommend this recipe.


Jeon LeMay
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I love this tajine malsouka! It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. The chicken is always tender and juicy, and the phyllo pie crust is always crispy and flaky.


Patrick BYIRINGIRO
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This is the best tajine malsouka I've ever had! The chicken is so flavorful and tender, and the phyllo pie crust is perfectly crispy. I highly recommend this recipe.


NXT TANVIR
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This tajine malsouka is a winner! The chicken is tender and juicy, and the phyllo pie crust is flaky and crispy. I will definitely be making this again.


Toffy Linda
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I'm so glad I tried this tajine malsouka! It's now one of my favorite dishes. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the phyllo pie crust is flaky and delicious.


Mahir Hossen
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This tajine malsouka is a must-try! The chicken is so flavorful and tender, and the phyllo pie crust is perfectly crispy. I highly recommend this recipe.


Mandi Jenkins
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I love this tajine malsouka! It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. The chicken is always tender and juicy, and the phyllo pie crust is always crispy and flaky.


Toha Gaming BD
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This is the best tajine malsouka I've ever had! The chicken is cooked perfectly, and the phyllo pie crust is flaky and delicious. I highly recommend this recipe.


Md Robin Ahm
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Wow! This tajine malsouka is amazing! The chicken is so tender and moist, and the phyllo pie crust is perfectly crispy. I will definitely be making this again.


Edemanwan Etene
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This tajine malsouka is absolutely delicious! The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the phyllo pie crust is flaky and buttery. I highly recommend this recipe.


Sumi takoya
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I've made this tajine malsouka several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is so tender and flavorful, and the phyllo pie crust is perfectly crispy.


Mdabdaul Islam
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This is my go-to recipe for tajine malsouka. It's simple to make and always turns out perfect. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the phyllo pie crust is crispy and flaky.


Walter
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I love this recipe! The tajine malsouka is always a hit with my family and friends. It's easy to make and always turns out delicious.


Grace Ojofu
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The tajine malsouka was easy to make and turned out delicious! The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the phyllo pie crust was crispy and flaky. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


muhammad suleimanadam
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This was my first time making tajine malsouka, and it turned out great! The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the phyllo pie crust was flaky and delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Ramudeo Bro
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I made this tajine malsouka for a dinner party, and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it. The chicken was so tender and moist, and the phyllo pie crust was perfectly crispy.


Ray Melero
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The tajine malsouka was delicious! I especially loved the combination of the sweet and savory flavors. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the phyllo pie crust was flaky and buttery.


Atihar Memon
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This tajine malsouka was a hit with my family! The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and the phyllo pie crust was perfectly crispy. I will definitely be making this again.