Chicken in vegetable sauce with couscous garnish

Chicken in vegetable sauce with couscous garnish - a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors and textures, where tender chicken intertwines with fresh vegetables and fluffy couscous! This recipe is not only simple but also healthy, perfect for fasting days or for anyone looking for a light and tasty meal. The story of this recipe is tied to the tradition of cooking with simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let's discover together how to prepare this dish, step by step, and enjoy every bite!

Ingredients

For the chicken in vegetable sauce:

- 400 g chicken breast (preferably from free-range birds)
- 2 carrots
- 1 bell pepper (can be red, yellow, or green, depending on preference)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 slice of celery
- 1 small cup of tomato paste (about 100 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil (or other preferred vegetable oil)

For the couscous:

- 250 g couscous (we recommend Monte Banato couscous for a fine texture)
- 3 cups of water (about 750 ml)
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breast into cubes of about 2 cm. This will help with even cooking. Then, prepare the vegetables: finely chop the onion, dice the bell pepper, and grate the carrots and celery. These vegetables will provide a flavorful and healthy base for the chicken sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetable sauce

In a deep pan or pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper, allowing them to steam for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavors.

Step 3: Cooking the chicken

Once the vegetables have softened, add the chicken cubes to the pan. Stir well and let them cook for 3-4 minutes until the meat turns white on all sides. Now it's time to add enough water to cover the ingredients, then put a lid on and let it simmer over medium heat.

Step 4: Flavoring the sauce

When the chicken is cooked (about 15-20 minutes), add the tomato paste, tarragon, thyme, and salt to taste. Let it boil for a few moments for the flavors to blend well. Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle with plenty of fresh or dried parsley, depending on preference.

Step 5: Preparing the couscous

While the chicken sauce is simmering, you can prepare the couscous. In another tall pan, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and, when it is heated, add the couscous. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then, add one cup of water (about 250 ml) and cover. Stir occasionally.

As the water evaporates, add half a cup of water at a time until you have added the 3 cups of water. Finally, season with salt to taste and stir well to achieve a fluffy consistency.

Serving

To serve, place a generous portion of couscous on a plate, with a spoonful of chicken and vegetable sauce on top. You can garnish with a little chopped fresh parsley for a more attractive appearance.

Useful tips

- Choosing the chicken: It is recommended to use quality chicken, preferably from local farms, to enjoy an authentic taste.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or squash, to add variety.
- Couscous: If you prefer fluffier couscous, you can add a little butter or olive oil at the end.
- Sauce: If you like a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the chicken with another type of meat?
Yes, this recipe works well with turkey or ground beef.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can replace the chicken with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
We recommend a dry white wine or mineral water with lemon to complement the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the vegetables provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Couscous, a complex carbohydrate, is an excellent choice for sustainable energy. Moreover, the dish is low in unhealthy fats, making it an ideal option for a balanced diet.

Customized version

If you want to add a touch of exoticism, you can include spices such as turmeric or cumin, giving a unique flavor to this already delicious dish.

Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and every bite of this chicken in vegetable sauce with couscous garnish. Bon appétit and may you have meals filled with love!