Rfissa is a delicious Moroccan dish that requires some preparation but is well worth the effort. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make Rfissa:
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads (optional)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening the sauce, optional)
For the Bread:
- 4-6 pieces of Moroccan bread (msemen or rghifa), or you can use pita bread or flatbread if needed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Soak the Lentils: If using dried lentils, soak them in water for a few hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- Prepare the Bread: Tear or cut the Moroccan bread into small pieces or chunks. If using msemen, tear it into smaller pieces.
2. Cook the Stew:
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent and lightly browned.
- Add Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Add the soaked lentils and chicken broth or water to the pot. If using saffron threads, add them at this stage.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken and lentils are tender and the flavors are well combined. Skim off any foam or excess fat that rises to the surface.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of flour with a small amount of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the Bread:
- Layer the Bread: In a large serving dish or individual bowls, place the pieces of Moroccan bread. You can slightly warm the bread if desired.
- Pour the Stew: Pour the hot chicken and lentil stew over the bread pieces, making sure the bread soaks up some of the flavorful sauce.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and parsley.
- Serve: Serve hot, and enjoy this hearty and flavorful Moroccan dish!
Rfissa is typically enjoyed with family and friends and is a great dish for special occasions and gatherings.
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