Tajine Tounsi (Tunisian Baked Chicken and Egg Casserole)
Local name: طاجين تونسي
In short: A firm, golden Tunisian casserole of shredded chicken, eggs, Gruyère and parsley, baked until set and cut into squares like a thick frittata. It takes about 1 h 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 5 min
- Total
- 1 h 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Tunisian tajine is not a stew in a clay pot. It is a baked dish of eggs, cheese, herbs and chicken, set firm and cut into squares, and it appears on Ramadan tables and at family lunches. The chicken is cooked with onion, turmeric and cinnamon, then shredded and mixed with beaten eggs. It tastes good hot or at room temperature, so it works well for feeding a crowd.
Instructions
- Heat the 2 tbsp oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes until soft, then stir in the garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and pepper for 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken, 1 tsp of the salt and the water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, turning the chicken once, until it is cooked through (74°C / 165°F). Uncover and boil off any liquid left in the pan.
- Let the chicken cool for 10 minutes, then shred it with two forks and return it to the onions.
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking dish with the 1 tbsp oil.
- Beat the eggs with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Stir in the chicken and onion mixture, cheese and parsley, and pour into the dish.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until puffed, golden and set in the center. Rest for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Use leftover roast or boiled chicken instead: you need about 3 cups of shredded meat. Cook the onion and spices as in step 1, then stir in the chicken.
- For a layered, pie-like version, line the dish with 3 oiled sheets of brik or filo, add the mixture and fold the edges over the top before baking.
Questions and answers
Is Tunisian tajine the same as Moroccan tagine?
No. Moroccan tagine is a slow-cooked stew made in a conical clay pot. Tunisian tajine is a baked egg dish with a firm, sliceable texture, closer to a frittata or crustless quiche.
Can I make tajine tounsi ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it up to 2 days ahead, cool and refrigerate, then serve cold or rewarm at 160°C (325°F) for 15 minutes.
Can I freeze it?
Cut it into squares, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm in the oven.
How long does it take to make Tajine Tounsi (Tunisian Baked Chicken and Egg Casserole)?
About 1 h 30 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Tajine Tounsi (Tunisian Baked Chicken and Egg Casserole)?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
