{"id":125249,"date":"2025-09-12T19:48:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T18:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.amourdecuisine.fr\/?p=125249"},"modified":"2026-05-18T22:07:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T21:07:41","slug":"cheese-tajine-tunisian-chicken-and-cheese-casserole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.amourdecuisine.fr\/en\/article-cheese-tajine-tunisian-chicken-and-cheese-casserole.html","title":{"rendered":"Cheese tajine : Tunisian chicken and cheese casserole"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tajine Jben is a Tunisian specialty packed with flavour, made with cheese, eggs, and aromatic spices.<\/p>\n

This traditional casserole recipe stands out for its creamy texture and authentic taste.<\/p>\n

Easy to prepare, it\u2019s a family-friendly dish that fits any table and offers a delicious twist on classic tajines.<\/p>\n

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Tunisian cheese tajine: tajine jben<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tunisian cheese tajine: tajine jben recipe<\/h2>\n

The irresistible Tajine Jben\u2026 just the thought of it makes my mouth water!<\/p>\n

This Tunisian classic has to be one of my favourites: creamy, cheesy, fragrant, and so comforting.<\/p>\n

Each bite from this casserole melts in your mouth, rich with flavour yet wonderfully light at the same time.<\/p>\n

The best part? It\u2019s so easy to prepare that success is guaranteed, even on your very first try.<\/p>\n

At home, it\u2019s a must during Ramadan, but honestly, I find any excuse to make it.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Simple yet elegant, this dish never fails to impress guests or family alike.<\/p>\n

\"Cheese<\/p>\n

Ingredients for a Flavorful and Creamy Tunisian Cheese Tajine (Tajine Jben)<\/h2>\n

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors in this traditional Tunisian dish. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n

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  • 3 chicken thighs<\/strong> : Boneless and cut into small pieces; they add tenderness and richness, soaking up the spices beautifully during cooking.<\/li>\n
  • 1 onion<\/strong> : Finely chopped to provide a sweet, savory base that enhances the dish.<\/li>\n
  • 2 garlic cloves<\/strong> : Crushed or finely minced, adding depth and balance without overpowering.<\/li>\n
  • \u00bc teaspoon paprika<\/strong> : Brings gentle warmth and a lightly smoky note.<\/li>\n
  • \u00bd teaspoon ground coriander<\/strong> : Subtle citrusy and herbaceous flavor for extra depth.<\/li>\n
  • \u00bc teaspoon turmeric<\/strong> : Adds a golden colour and a mild earthy taste.<\/li>\n
  • Salt and pepper<\/strong> : To taste, for balancing and elevating all flavors.<\/li>\n
  • \u00bd bunch fresh parsley<\/strong> : Finely chopped; adds freshness and lifts the richness of cheese and eggs.<\/li>\n
  • 150 g grated Gruy\u00e8re cheese<\/strong> : The essential melting element, binding the mixture while adding irresistible creaminess.<\/li>\n
  • 2 medium potatoes<\/strong> : Either grated or pre-cooked and mashed; they provide texture, body, and make the tajine more filling.<\/li>\n
  • 5-6 eggs (depending on size)<\/strong> : The main binding ingredient; larger eggs give a lighter, fluffier texture.<\/li>\n
  • 1 glass of water<\/strong> : Used for cooking the chicken and creating a fragrant broth.<\/li>\n
  • Olive oil<\/strong> : For saut\u00e9ing the onion, garlic, and chicken, while adding a fruity Mediterranean touch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfectly Creamy Tunisian Cheese Tajine (Tajine Jben)<\/h2>\n

    Follow these simple steps to prepare a flavourful Tajine Jben with the ideal texture and well-balanced taste:<\/p>\n

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    1. Cook the chicken with spices<\/strong> : 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.<\/li>\n
    2. Shred the chicken<\/strong> : Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred it into small pieces using a fork or your hands.<\/li>\n
    3. Prepare the flavor base<\/strong> : In a pan, saut\u00e9 the diced onion and crushed garlic with a little olive oil until soft, translucent, and lightly golden.<\/li>\n
    4. Combine chicken and aromatics<\/strong> : 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 flavours.<\/li>\n
    5. Add fresh herbs<\/strong> : Off the heat, stir in the chopped parsley and optional fresh coriander. Allow the mixture to cool completely.<\/li>\n
    6. Cook the potatoes<\/strong> : Fry the diced or grated potatoes until golden. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.<\/li>\n
    7. Assemble the mixture<\/strong> : In a large bowl, combine the cooled chicken, fried potatoes, and grated cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.<\/li>\n
    8. Incorporate the eggs<\/strong> : 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.<\/li>\n
    9. Prepare the moulds<\/strong> : Lightly grease a loaf tin, cake mould, or several small muffin moulds. Pour in the mixture, smoothing the surface evenly.<\/li>\n
    10. Bake<\/strong> : Preheat the oven to 180 \u00b0C (350 \u00b0F) and bake for about 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the centre is set.<\/li>\n
    11. Cool before unmoulding<\/strong> : Remove from the oven and let the tajine cool or at least rest until warm before carefully unmoulding.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Tunisian Cheese Tajine Recipe in Video<\/h2>\n

      This recipe is perfect for serving on your Ramadan table, and it pairs beautifully with a hearty soup and a fresh, crisp salad.<\/p>\n