Fassi Chicken Tagine with Caramelized Pears, Saffron, and Ginger

Ingredients

• 800g chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 2 large onions, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 piece fresh ginger (about 3cm), peeled
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• 3 firm pears (e.g., Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and quartered
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish