Hello, food lovers and fellow kitchen adventurers! As a family man from the UK with four energetic kids running around, I always strive to prepare meals that not only capture the vibrant flavors from around the world but also accommodate the bustling dynamic of a full household. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful and healthy recipe that is simple enough for a midweek dinner yet elegant enough to impress at a dinner party: Creamy Tahini Chicken with Pomegranate and Almond Couscous.
Now, let me take you through a little background on why I adore this dish so much. The inspiration comes from my love for Middle Eastern cuisine with its inviting warmth and rich flavors. There’s something magical about how ingredients like tahini and pomegranate can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary journey for your taste buds.
Tahini, a ground sesame seed paste, is the star of this dish, lending its creamy and nutty essence to the chicken. Not only is it delicious, but tahini is also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to our family meals. My kids affectionately call it “magic sauce” because it enhances just about anything you pair it with!
Paired with the chicken is a bright and flavorful pomegranate and almond couscous. This side dish is more than just a supporting act; it’s a burst of color and texture, with juicy pomegranate seeds offering a sweet contrast to the savory toasted almonds and fluffy couscous. It’s a joy to see everyone at the table marvel at the vibrant presentation.
Preparing this meal is a breeze. With the hustle and bustle of family life, I appreciate recipes that are not overly complicated yet deliver on taste and aesthetics. A little prep, a quick pop in the oven, and a few minutes to assemble the couscous — easy-peasy!
As you prepare this dish, imagine savoring a taste of the Middle East right in the comfort of your home. You might find that the flavors inspire stories of exotic travels or simply create a moment where your everyday dining feels that little bit special.
I hope you give this Creamy Tahini Chicken with Pomegranate and Almond Couscous a try! Perhaps it will become a new favorite in your home, just as it has in ours. Until next time, happy cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Ingredients
For the Creamy Tahini Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (120ml) tahini
– 1/2 cup (120ml) Greek yogurt
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Pomegranate and Almond Couscous:
– 1 cup (180g) couscous
– 1 1/4 cups (300ml) chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup (80g) pomegranate seeds
– 1/3 cup (50g) slivered almonds, toasted
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Method
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
– In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
– Rub this mixture over the 4 chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
– Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and juices run clear.
2. **Make the Tahini Sauce:**
– While the chicken is baking, prepare the tahini sauce.
– In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup tahini, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley.
– Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. **Prepare the Couscous:**
– In a saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
– Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
– Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl.
– Add 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds, 2 tablespoons fresh chopped mint, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.
– Toss gently to combine.
4. **Assemble and Serve:**
– Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
– Slice the chicken breasts and drizzle them with the prepared tahini sauce.
– Serve alongside the pomegranate and almond couscous. Optionally, garnish with additional parsley and pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor. Enjoy!
