A Story of Connection, Tradition and a Recipe Passed Down Through Generations
Every morning, during my years living in France, I would stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Cannes' old town on my way to the bustling Marché Forville. The soft breeze, the sounds of the city slowly waking up, and the sunlight bouncing off the historic buildings made every trip feel special. As I turned the corner toward the market, I would be met with the delicious aromas, vibrant sights, and lively sounds of vendors setting up their stalls. The air was filled with the scent of fresh herbs, ripe fruits, and the buzz of locals going about their day.
Among the many familiar faces at the market was a kind, elderly Moroccan woman who helped her daughter at their fruit and vegetable stall. After the tragic passing of her husband a few months earlier—a loss that shocked us all who frequented the market—she continued to work alongside her daughter. Despite her quiet sorrow, she was always there, greeting customers with a gentle smile and an air of strength.
One morning, she approached me. Although her French was broken—Arabic being her first language—she conveyed her message with warmth and sincerity. She knew I was a chef, and to my surprise, she wanted to share something deeply personal with me: a recipe that had been passed down to her by her mother and grandmother. It was a family recipe, one that had likely been made countless times at family gatherings and celebrations. Now, she wanted me to have it, to make it in my cooking classes. It was a gesture so heartfelt that I immediately felt its significance.
She handed me the recipe, written in her delicate and imperfect French, but the essence of the dish was clear. It was her version of chicken and prune tagine, a dish deeply rooted in Moroccan tradition. Thrilled, I accepted her beautiful gift, knowing that this was more than just a recipe—it was a piece of her family’s heritage. Moroccan cuisine had always fascinated me, and I knew this dish would be a hit with my students and clients.
Over the years, I made the tagine countless times, and it quickly became a favorite. The succulent chicken, cooked with a rich blend of Moroccan spices, fresh herbs, and a sweet prune sauce, was irresistible. I would serve it with fluffy couscous and Moroccan flatbread, Batbout, just as she had described. It’s a dish you’d often come across in Morocco, though each family has their own unique version with secret touches passed down through generations.
As a token of gratitude for her generosity, I always made sure to buy the dried prunes, onions, and cilantro for the dish from her stall. It felt like a small way to honor her and the legacy she had shared with me.
After testing the recipe for the first time, I brought her a small container to taste. I was nervous, hoping she would approve of how I had interpreted her family’s dish. To my relief, she smiled as she tasted it, telling me it was almost exactly how her mother used to make it. Her compliment meant the world to me.
The dish, however, never had a grand name. She simply called it her "chicken and prune tagine." In its simplicity, it carried a timeless beauty. To this day, I cherish that recipe—it’s more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of connection, tradition, and the power of food to bridge cultures.
Now, I’m thrilled to share this special recipe with you in my recipe box on this website. It’s a dish that has brought joy to so many, and I hope it brings the same warmth and delight to your table. Don’t worry if you don’t have a traditional tagine—you can make it in a regular pot, and the flavors will still be just as magical.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart, and I hope you find as much joy in making it as I have over the years.
After Covid, when the market finally reopened, I was eager to return to my favorite stalls, hoping to find familiar faces. But when I arrived at Marché Forville, their stall was no longer there. The space where they used to stand was now an empty gap, a sad reminder of how much had changed. It was in that very spot where the story of this special chicken and prune tagine recipe had begun. That empty space reminded me of the rich memories and connection we shared, now preserved through this cherished dish.
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