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Tajine Zitoune (Braised Chicken with Green Olives and Mushrooms in Lemon-Saffron Sauce)
Succulent braised chicken thighs in a fragrant saffron and cinnamon veloute, studded with blanched green olives and earthy mushrooms.
The story
Originating in the northern coastal cities such as Algiers and Blida, Tajine Zitoune is a staple showpiece for formal Friday lunches and wedding banquets. The dish reflects the refined Ottoman-Andalusian heritage of northern Algerian cuisine, balancing savory poultry with sweet aromatic spices and tart citrus. A key technical requirement is blanching the cured green olives multiple times to purge harsh brine while preserving their plump texture and bright chlorophyll color.
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