Couscous with Chicken and Tomatoes Recipe
Overview:
This flavorful Couscous with Chicken and Tomatoes recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken, hearty chickpeas, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy couscous, all simmered together in a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s a perfect dish for lunch or a hearty snack, brimming with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 779.2
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 cups cooked chickpeas
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, cut into batons
- 4 tomatoes, cut into pieces
- 1 cup tomato purée
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Knob of butter
- Optional: chili for extra pungency
Instructions:
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Prepare Vegetables: Peel and trim the carrots, garlic, and onion. Cut the carrots into batons and the tomatoes into pieces. Chop the garlic and slice the onion.
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Cook Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry until lightly browned on all sides.
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Add Aromatics: Once the chicken is browned, add the sliced onion and chopped garlic to the pan. Stir in the tomato purée and add enough water to just cover the chicken. Season generously with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Incorporate Vegetables: After 10 minutes, add the cooked chickpeas, carrot batons, and tomato pieces to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently while you prepare the couscous.
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Prepare Couscous: In a separate bowl, mix the couscous with its own volume of water and the remaining olive oil. Stir well to combine, then let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid and swell up.
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Steam Couscous: Once the couscous has soaked, transfer it to a colander or sieve set over a pot of boiling water. Steam the couscous for 20-25 minutes, or until it is fluffy and cooked through. This can also be done traditionally by steaming it directly over the stew, but be cautious as it can be hazardous.
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Final Touches: Once the couscous is cooked, stir in a knob of butter to add richness and flavor. Arrange the couscous in a ring around a large serving dish. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into the center of the dish.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the couscous with chicken and tomatoes hot, with any extra sauce served separately. For those who enjoy extra spice, consider adding a sprinkle of chili for added pungency.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 779.2
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 209.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 86.1g
- Fiber: 9.3g
- Sugar: 7.7g
- Protein: 35.9g
Recipe Tips:
- For added convenience, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of spice to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Enjoy this flavorful Couscous with Chicken and Tomatoes recipe for a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!