4-5dried plums, cut in half (or 3-4 tablespoons raisins)
Chopped parsley, or tarragon for serving
For the ras el hanout spice mix:
1 ½teaspooncoriander
1 ½teaspoonsweet paprika
1 ½teaspoonginger
¾teaspooncinnamon
¾teaspooncumin
¾teaspoonblack pepper
¾teaspoonturmeric
¾teaspoonsaffron
¾teaspooncardamom
¼teaspooncloves
¼teaspoonnutmeg
Instructions
Pat-dry the chicken pieces very well with paper towels and preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C).
Heat a dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat, add the olive oil and the chicken pieces in one layer (do it in batches if they don’t fit all at once) and sauté until browned from one side. Flip the chicken to brown from the other side and transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, bay leaves and the spice mix. Stir and cook the mixture until the onion is soft (3-4 minutes). Transfer the chicken pieces back to the pot, add the pureed tomatoes and the salt, stir and let it come to a boil.
Cover the Dutch oven with the lid, or transfer the food to a casserole and cover firmly with foil and bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes. After 30 minutes of baking add the dried fruit over the chicken and shake the casserole gently to distribute.
When the chicken is done, sprinkle with chopped parsley or tarragon and serve with rice, mashed potatoes or spaghetti.