Sephardic Chicken Stew With Artichoke and Olives

Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks (thighs are even better, but more fat content)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 dash cumin seed (toasted and crushed is preferred, but not necessary)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon canola oil (or other neutral oil)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons harissa
• 1 teaspoon crystallized ginger (if you don't have, omitting is probably OK)
• 1/4 cup green olive, pitted (kalamata OK but not as good)
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke bottoms, drained (NOT marinated!)
• kosher salt, for sprinkling
• 1/4 cup green peas (canned or frozen)
• water, at room temperature

Directions

1. 1

   In a cast iron or other heavy pot, sautee onion on oil until translucent and tender.

2. 2

   Mix together the allspice, sea salt, hot paprika, turmeric, cumins, and garlic powder. Dip chicken in this mixture.

3. 3

   When onion is translucent, add chicken and cook for 10minutes until browned on all sides.

4. 4

   Add 1/2 cup water and crystallized ginger (if using) and continue braising for 20-25minutes on low-medium, mostly covered with lid (do not place lid on tight! Steam should be able to escape).

5. 5

   Add water (till 1/2 way up or so), harissa (add less if prefer less spicy dish), green peas, and garlic cloves. Reduce heat to simmer, and stew for 30-45minutes, until chicken is soft, sauce has reduced by half, and the smell is already driving you insane.

6. 6

   Add artichoke bottoms, and sprinkle kosher salt over the top.

7. 7

   Continue cooking on low for another 30minutes until chicken is very tender, and can easily fall off the bone (cooking times may differ depending on your cooking vessel). 2 important points: 1)Don't let the artichoke overcook, or it will be mushy and unappealing; 2)Don't let the chicken dehydrate - if you need to add some more water, do so.

8. 8

   Enjoy over a bed of couscous!