Couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas

Couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas Recipe from Tunisia

Region / culture: Tunisia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This recipe for Couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and hearty chickpeas with fluffy couscous. It's a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

Couscous is a staple in North African cuisine, traditionally made from semolina wheat. It is often served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. This recipe puts a twist on the classic couscous dish by adding curried chicken and chickpeas for a unique and delicious flavor combination.

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1.25 lb (567 g) skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tsp Madras curry powder
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of cayenne pepper
3 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 small zucchini, diced
One 15 oz (425 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1.5 cups water
1 cup couscous
0.5 cup chopped cilantro, plus whole sprigs, for garnish

How to prepare

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil until it shimmers. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, curry, cinnamon, cayenne, and 0.25 tsp of pepper. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the stock and simmer until reduced by one-third, about 10 minutes. Add the diced red pepper and zucchini and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the chickpeas and cook for 1 minute longer. Season the curried chicken with salt.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the couscous and 0.5 tsp of salt, cover, and let it stand for 10 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then add the chopped cilantro and toss. Transfer the curry to a serving bowl, garnish with the cilantro sprigs, and serve with the couscous.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
Add diced tomatoes or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Use different spices such as cumin or turmeric for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor.

- Simmering the curry with the vegetables allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich and aromatic sauce.

- Fluffing the couscous with a fork after cooking helps to separate the grains and create a light and fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the chicken before simmering it in the curry helps to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.

- Allowing the curry to simmer and reduce helps to intensify the flavors and create a rich sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or rice instead of couscous for a different grain option.

- Swap out the chickpeas for white beans or lentils for a different protein source.

Make Ahead Tips

The curry can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The couscous can also be cooked in advance and reheated or served at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to complement the spicy curry flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (couscous) and may contain gluten. It also contains chickpeas, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a sunny afternoon in Morocco, where I found myself wandering through the bustling streets of Marrakech. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of spices and the sound of vendors calling out to passersby, offering their wares.

As I walked through the market, I came across a small stall where a woman was cooking up a delicious looking dish. The smell alone was enough to make my mouth water, and I knew I had to find out what she was making. I approached her and asked her what she was cooking, and she smiled warmly and told me it was couscous with curried chicken and chickpeas.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of flavors sounded intriguing. The woman was kind enough to share her recipe with me, and I watched as she deftly prepared the dish right there in the market. The aroma that filled the air was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

Once the dish was ready, she served me a generous portion in a simple clay bowl. The first bite was a revelation – the tender chicken, the nutty chickpeas, and the fragrant curry all combined to create a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and she smiled and waved me off as I made my way back to my hotel. That evening, I set to work in my own tiny kitchen, carefully following the steps I had observed earlier that day.

The process was simple yet laborious, requiring patience and attention to detail. I cooked the couscous until it was light and fluffy, then seasoned the chicken with a blend of warm spices before browning it in a hot pan. The chickpeas were added next, along with a generous helping of curry powder and a splash of chicken broth.

As the dish simmered on the stove, the aroma that filled my kitchen was reminiscent of the bustling market in Marrakech. I couldn't help but smile as I thought back to my encounter with the kind woman who had shared her recipe with me.

When the dish was finally ready, I served myself a heaping portion and sat down to enjoy it. The flavors were just as I remembered – rich, warm, and comforting. The tender chicken practically melted in my mouth, while the chickpeas provided a satisfying crunch. The curry added a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before, tying the whole dish together in a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

I savored every bite, sopping up the flavorful sauce with a piece of crusty bread. As I ate, I thought about all the places and people who had contributed to my culinary knowledge over the years. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a cherished memory of a moment shared with someone who had opened their kitchen to me.

As I finished my meal, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the woman in Marrakech who had shared her recipe with me. Her kindness had enriched my life in ways she could never have imagined, and I knew that this dish would forever hold a special place in my heart.

And so, as I sit here now, recounting the story of how I learned to make couscous with curried chicken and chickpeas, I can't help but smile. The memory of that sunny afternoon in Morocco will always bring me joy, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to each other and to the world around us.