Cheese tajine : Tunisian chicken and cheese casserole
Tajine Jben is a Tunisian specialty packed with flavor, made with cheese, eggs, and aromatic spices.
This traditional casserole recipe stands out for its creamy texture and authentic taste.
Easy to prepare, it’s a family-friendly dish that fits any table and offers a delicious twist on classic tajines.
Tunisian cheese tajine: tajine jben recipe
The irresistible Tajine Jben… just the thought of it makes my mouth water!
This Tunisian classic has to be one of my favourites: creamy, cheesy, fragrant, and so comforting.
Each bite from this casserole melts in your mouth, rich with flavour yet wonderfully light at the same time.
The best part? It’s so easy to prepare that success is guaranteed, even on your very first try.
At home, it’s a must during Ramadan, but honestly, I find any excuse to make it.
Sometimes I bake it in a large dish, cut it into little squares, and serve them on cocktail picks with cherry tomatoes — and it always disappears in no time.
Simple yet elegant, this dish never fails to impress guests or family alike.
Ingredients for a Flavorful and Creamy Tunisian Cheese Tajine (Tajine Jben)
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors in this traditional Tunisian dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 chicken thighs – Boneless and cut into small pieces; they add tenderness and richness, soaking up the spices beautifully during cooking.
- 1 onion – Finely chopped to provide a sweet, savory base that enhances the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves – Crushed or finely minced, adding depth and balance without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika – Brings gentle warmth and a lightly smoky note.
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander – Subtle citrusy and herbaceous flavor for extra depth.
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric – Adds a golden color and a mild earthy taste.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for balancing and elevating all flavors.
- ½ bunch fresh parsley – Finely chopped; adds freshness and lifts the richness of cheese and eggs.
- 150 g grated Gruyère cheese – The essential melting element, binding the mixture while adding irresistible creaminess.
- 2 medium potatoes – Either grated or pre-cooked and mashed; they provide texture, body, and make the tajine more filling.
- 5–6 eggs (depending on size) – The main binding ingredient; larger eggs give a lighter, fluffier texture.
- 1 glass of water – Used for cooking the chicken and creating a fragrant broth.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the onion, garlic, and chicken, while adding a fruity Mediterranean touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfectly Creamy Tunisian Cheese Tajine (Tajine Jben)
Follow these simple steps to prepare a flavorful Tajine Jben with the ideal texture and well-balanced taste:
- Cook the chicken with spices – In a pot, place the chicken thighs, add the spices (paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper), a drizzle of olive oil, and one glass of water. Simmer over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth has reduced.
- Shred the chicken – Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred it into small pieces using a fork or your hands.
- Prepare the flavor base – In a pan, sauté the diced onion and crushed garlic with a little olive oil until soft, translucent, and lightly golden.
- Combine chicken and aromatics – Add the shredded chicken to the pan, pour in 2–3 tablespoons of the reserved broth, and cook until all the liquid has evaporated to concentrate the flavors.
- Add fresh herbs – Off the heat, stir in the chopped parsley and optional fresh coriander. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Cook the potatoes – Fry the diced or grated potatoes until golden. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the mixture – In a large bowl, combine the cooled chicken, fried potatoes, and grated cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Incorporate the eggs – Crack the eggs one at a time into the mixture, mixing well until you have a smooth, uniform preparation. The eggs bind all the ingredients together.
- Prepare the moulds – Lightly grease a loaf tin, cake mould, or several small muffin moulds. Pour in the mixture, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Bake – Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and bake for about 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the centre is set.
- Cool before unmoulding – Remove from the oven and let the tajine cool or at least rest until warm before carefully unmoulding.
Tunisian Cheese Tajine Recipe in Video
This recipe is perfect for serving on your Ramadan table, and it pairs beautifully with a hearty soup and a fresh, crisp salad.
Tips & Tricks for Best Results
- Don’t rush on cooling: Letting it cool before unmoulding helps the structure set so it holds together well.
- Uniform chopping/frying: Try to chop potatoes and chicken into similar-sized pieces so the texture is even.
- Control moisture: Make sure the chicken’s cooking liquid is reduced well, or the final mix could be too wet.
- Cheese choice matters: Gruyère gives a smooth melt, but you can mix in goat cheese, feta or cheeses you prefer for different flavour profiles.
When & How to Serve
- Occasions: It makes a beautiful starter or main course during Ramadan, family dinners, casual entertaining, or potlucks.
- Presentation ideas: Bake in a large mould, slice into squares, serve on cocktail picks with cherry tomatoes for appetisers.
- Complementary dishes: Goes well with a fresh salad, a light soup, crusty bread or a yogurt dip to balance richness.
Popular Variations of Tajine Jben You Must Try
Tajine Jben is a wonderfully versatile recipe. Depending on your taste, the season, or simply what you have on hand, here are some equally delicious variations to explore:
- Tuna Tajine Jben – A much-loved version, especially during Ramadan. Replace the chicken with one or two cans of well-drained tuna. Quick, budget-friendly, and just as tasty!
- Spinach Tajine Jben – For a greener touch and a more vegetal flavor, add a handful of fresh or pre-cooked frozen spinach. A clever way to get kids to eat more vegetables without even noticing!
- Vegetarian Tajine Jben – Skip the meat and fill it with grated vegetables (like carrots or zucchini), potatoes, cheese, and fresh herbs. A lighter yet still satisfying option.
- Merguez Tajine Jben – For a spicier, bolder version, swap the chicken for merguez sausage, lightly browned beforehand. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat!
- Goat Cheese or Feta Tajine Jben – Experiment with cheese by mixing Gruyère with a touch of fresh goat cheese or crumbled feta. It adds a stronger, tangier flavor and a unique twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — you can prepare the mixture ahead, store in fridge, and bake just before serving. Reheat gently, but it tastes best fresh.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: It depends on the moisture level — if well cooled and compact, yes, in portioned containers. Reheat in oven to retain texture.
Q: What if I don’t have an oven?
A: You could try steaming in a mould on the stovetop or using a pressure cooker, but texture will differ.
How to Make Authentic Tunisian Cheese Tajine (Tajine Jben) Step by Step
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 portions
Description
Tajine Jben is a Tunisian specialty full of flavor, made with cheese, eggs, and spices.
This traditional recipe is known for its creamy texture and authentic taste.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken thighs
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 bunch parsley
- 150 g Gruyère cheese (grated)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 5 to 6 eggs (depending on size)
- 1 glass of water
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a pot, place the chicken with all the spices, olive oil, and the glass of water. Cook until the broth has reduced.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into small pieces.
- In a pan, sauté the diced onion and crushed garlic with a little olive oil.
- Add the shredded chicken, 2 or 3 tablespoons of the reserved broth, and cook until the liquid has fully evaporated.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and coriander, then set aside to cool.
- Fry the potatoes and drain them on paper towels.
- Mix the grated cheese, fried potatoes, and shredded chicken together. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing well each time.
- Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan, cake tin, or muffin tins.
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and bake for about 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before unmoulding.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: breakfast, side dish
- Cuisine: tunisian cuisine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360 kcal
