Tli Tli with chicken - Tli Tli B Algerian recipe

Tli Tli with Chicken - A Flavorful Delicacy

Discover the magic of a traditional dish, Tli Tli with chicken, a recipe that combines the rich flavors of the East with a delicate and comforting texture. This recipe is a perfect choice for a family meal or to impress guests. Tli Tli, also known as 'langues d’oiseaux' or 'orzo', are tiny pasta resembling rice grains, which add an extra touch of flavor to any meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (or 2 chicken breasts)
- 500 g Tli Tli pasta
- 1 can of chickpeas (approximately 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons palm margarine (or ghee)
- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cube of soup concentrate (like Maggi)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ras el Hanout spice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Rosemary sprigs (optional, for flavor)

Brief History:
Tli Tli has deep roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. These tiny pasta are used in various dishes, from soups to pilafs, and are very versatile. Ras el Hanout, a specific spice blend, adds an exotic note, being a key ingredient in many recipes from this region. Each region has its own blend, passed down from generation to generation.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken, then cut it into quarters or use two chicken breasts, halved. This will help with even cooking.

2. Sautéing the ingredients: In a pressure cooker, melt the palm margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

3. Browning the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and Ras el Hanout. Let the chicken brown well on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Adding the liquid: Pour enough water to cover the chicken, add the tomato paste and the soup concentrate cube. Close the pressure cooker, and once it starts boiling, let it cook for 30 minutes. This will ensure the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.

5. Cooking the Tli Tli pasta: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Tli Tli pasta. In a steamer, drizzle the pasta with a little olive oil and steam for 15 minutes, or until soft.

6. Boiling the pasta in broth: Transfer the cooked pasta to a pot, add a teaspoon of salt, a bit of olive oil, and a cup of water (for each cup of pasta, one cup of water). Let them boil, absorbing the delicious flavor of the chicken broth.

7. Preparing the eggs: Boil the eggs hard, then peel them and cut them in half.

8. Browning the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, brush it with ketchup and a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 200°C to achieve a golden crust. Adding a few rosemary sprigs in the oven will enhance the aroma.

9. Assembling the dish: In a deep dish, layer the cooked pasta, then gradually add the chicken broth, allowing it to be well absorbed. On top, place the browned chicken and the halved eggs.

10. Serving: Garnish the dish to taste. It is delicious served with a mixed salad and pickles. For an authentic experience, you can add Arabic bread to complement the flavors.

Practical Tips:
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. These can be sautéed and cooked in the same manner.
- Alternative spices: If you don’t have Ras el Hanout, you can use a spice blend of cumin, coriander, and pepper.
- Additional flavoring: Add some olives or dried fruits like apricots or raisins for a sweet-savory taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought Tli Tli pasta? Yes, they are very easy to find and perfect for this recipe.
- Is this dish suitable for festive meals? Absolutely! Tli Tli with chicken is an elegant dish, perfect for special occasions.
- How many calories does a serving have? A serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of chicken.

Conclusion:
Tli Tli with chicken is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that will bring joy to your table. With every bite, you will feel the rich flavors and varied textures, all transforming into an unforgettable recipe. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on the recipe by experimenting with different ingredients! Enjoy!