Rfissa Moroccan Chicken with Lentils

Embark on a culinary journey to North Africa with Rfissa, a hearty Moroccan chicken and lentil dish brimming with bold flavors and tradition. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in an aromatic blend of ground ginger, turmeric, and smen (a tangy fermented butter), infused with fresh parsley, cilantro, and garlic. Nutty green lentils add texture and depth to the flavorful broth, while the dish is uniquely served over shredded msemen or trid pastry, which soak up the rich, spiced sauce. Perfect for gatherings, this slow-cooked comfort food is a Moroccan staple, traditionally served family-style for a memorable dining experience. Prepare to savor the tantalizing layers of this cultural classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 whole Chicken (whole or cut into pieces)
• 4 large Onions (finely chopped)
• 1 cup Green lentils (uncooked)
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
• 4 large Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
• 1.5 teaspoons Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Smen (fermented butter) or unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 6 cups Water
• 6 sheets Msemen (or trid pastry pieces)

Directions

Step 1

Clean the chicken thoroughly by rinsing it under cold water and rubbing it with salt and a slice of lemon, if desired. Rinse again and drain well.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and smen over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onions, garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground ginger, ground turmeric, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir well for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Place the chicken in the pot and coat it with the aromatic spice mixture. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Add the lentils to the pot, followed by 6 cups of water. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the lentils are soft.

Step 7

Check the seasoning periodically, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface.

Step 8

While the chicken and lentils cook, prepare msemen or trid pastry. Tear them into strips or small pieces and steam briefly, if needed, to warm them up.

Step 9

To serve, arrange the msemen or trid pastry pieces on a large serving platter. Place the chicken on top, pour the lentil and onion sauce over it, and garnish with additional chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Step 10

Serve the dish family-style and enjoy immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4679.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7253.4

Total Fat 355.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 1410.5mg	0%
Sodium 7933.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 506.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.8g	0%
Total Sugars 44.0g
Protein 518.2g	0%

Vitamin D 83.5IU	0%
Calcium 1096.1mg	0%
Iron 58.1mg	0%
Potassium 7731.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 28.4%

Carbs: 27.8%