Tlitli Recipe – Traditional Algerian Pasta Dish

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) small pasta (such as orzo or homemade tlitli pasta)
• 1.5 lbs (680g) bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 large ripe tomato, peeled and grated
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads, steeped in 2 tbsp hot water
• 4 cups (1 quart) chicken stock, low sodium
• 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish