Moroccan chicken with pistachios~apricots~ros

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsRice, long grain; 2 cups 450 g
2tablespoonsVegetable oil
3eachesScallions; spring onions
1eachOnion; finely chopped
2ouncesDried apricots;50 g, chopped
2ouncesPistachio nuts;shelled 50 g
2ouncesPine kernels; pine nuts 50 g
1teaspoonCinnamon, ground;up to 2 tsp
1eachChicken; 3 lb/1.4 kg skinned, boned & cut in strips
Sea salt & black pepper
1teaspoonRose water
1teaspoonRose petals; heaped, highly scented
1teaspoonMarigold petals; heaped *

Directions

*Make certain you use a pot marigold (Calendula) rather than an African marigold (Tagetes) Cook the rice in boiling, salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until just tender; it should still be a little chewy. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan, put in the onions and fry quickly for 2 minutes. Add the apricots, pistachios, pine kernels, sprinkling them with cinnamon as they cook. Using a slotted spoon, remove the mixture from the pan and stir into the rice. Cover and keep warm. Heat the remaining oil, put in the chicken strips and fry quickly, sprinkling with a little more cinnamon. Do not overcook the chicken, which should be tender and juicy. Mix the cooked chicken into the rice, season if necessary and spread the mixture in a wide shallow dish. Sprinkle with rose water and decorate with the rose and marigold petals. Serve at once.