Morrocan Chicken With Couscous

Posted for ZWT6.

• Ready In: 1 hr 40 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 3  tablespoons sweet paprika
• 2  teaspoons salt (optional)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 -3 1⁄2 lbs chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces
• 2 -3  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  yams or 1  sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1  onion, thinly sliced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 1  tablespoon ground cardamom
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
•  generous pinch saffron thread
• 1⁄2 cup raisins
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped  dried apricot
• 3  cups chicken broth
• 1  cup couscous
• 1⁄4 cup  minced of fresh mint

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt (optional), and pepper. Add the chicken and mix so that all sides are well covered.
2. In a large, heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the sweet potato or yam, onion, garlic, bay leaf, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, raisins, dried apricots, and chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, or until chicken is tender and the potatoes are very soft. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Uncover, add the couscous and mint, and stir. Reduce the heat to low. Cover again and simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and allow the pot to sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Uncover and, using tongs or a big fork, fluff everything in the pot. Put the lid back on and let sit for another 3 minutes before serving.