Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps with Goat Cheese
Try this Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps with Goat Cheese recipe.
Try this Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps with Goat Cheese recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (i like to use chobani 0%)
- 3/4 cup dry couscous
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoon greek yogurt
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken (sliced into strips)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced or grated)
- 1/2 - 1 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1/3 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained and sliced
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1/3 cup roasted shelled pistachios (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped (may sub parsley))
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate arils (here is [how to deseed a pomeg
- 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
- 4-8 pieces of [naan | https://www.halfbakedharves
- Carbohydrate 141.670226734264 g
- Cholesterol 0.0765624999352778 mg
- Fat 87.2810291066289 g
- Fiber 20.9399858480914 g
- Protein 38.5294706969436 g
- Saturated Fat 12.2817248585404 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1002g)
- Sodium 473.138637017323 mg
- Sugar 120.730240886173 g
- Trans Fat 3.90182227458234 g
- Calories 1451 calories
Step-by-step
- To marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl or gallon size ziplock bag combine the olive oil, Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, pepper, cumin, crushed red pepper, cayenne and cinnamon. Add the chicken and toss well. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and place in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight.
- To make the couscous: Bring the water (or broth) to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover and remove from the heat. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. After five minutes fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the spinach, honey, olives, sun-dried tomatoes + oil, pistachios, cilantro, salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
- To make the Tahini sauce: In a small bowl whisk together the tahini (if the tahini is too thick to stir microwave it for 20-30 seconds), olive oil, garlic, Greek yogurt, lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Set aside until ready to use. Just before serving stir in the pomegranate arils.
- After 30 minutes heat a large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When hot remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off just a little of the excess. Add the chicken to the skillet and stir fry for 4-6 minutes or until cooked through.
- To assemble the wraps, spread a little of the tahini sauce down the center of the warmed naan. Add the couscous and chicken and then top with crumbled goat cheese. If desired garnish with chopped cilantro, more pistachios and pomegranate arils. Wrap and eat!
A Busy Mom's Culinary Adventure: Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, school runs, work deadlines, and the ever-present quest for a healthy and satisfying dinner. Finding the time to cook elaborate meals often feels like a luxury, but I've discovered that even amidst the chaos, creating delicious and nutritious food is entirely possible. This Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps recipe is a testament to that. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together surprisingly quickly, even on my busiest weeknights.
The inspiration for this recipe came from a recent trip to a bustling marketplace overseas. The vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and the sheer abundance of fresh ingredients ignited my culinary senses. I was captivated by the blend of sweet and savory flavors, the perfect balance of textures – the tender chicken, the fluffy couscous, and the creamy goat cheese – and the aromatic spices that transport you to another world with every bite. I knew I had to recreate this magic in my own kitchen, adapting it to fit my busy schedule.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The chicken marinade is prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while I tackle other tasks. The couscous salad, with its medley of fresh spinach, juicy olives, sun-dried tomatoes, crunchy pistachios, and a touch of honey, is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared earlier in the day or even the night before. The tahini sauce, with its rich, nutty flavor and the burst of pomegranate arils, adds a final touch of elegance and freshness.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a journey. A journey to a far-off land, a taste of adventure amidst the mundane. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, we can find time to nurture ourselves, our families, and our palates. The joy of creating a flavorful, healthy meal, and then sharing it with loved ones, is truly priceless. It’s a small act of self-care, a moment of calm in the storm, a flavorful break from the everyday hustle.
I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Maybe you want to use different herbs, or add other vegetables to the couscous salad. The great thing about cooking is that it's a creative process, and your own personal touch can transform this recipe into something uniquely yours.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary escape. It’s a reminder to savor the little moments, to find joy in the simple act of creating something delicious, and to share that joy with those you love. So, go ahead, try this recipe. Let the flavors transport you, and let the aroma fill your kitchen with the promise of a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy the journey!
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. Prepare the couscous salad and tahini sauce ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
- Customize it: Add your favorite vegetables to the couscous salad, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper to your liking.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or halloumi cheese.
- Serve it different: Instead of wraps, serve the couscous salad and chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa.
This recipe is a celebration of flavor, a testament to the power of simple ingredients, and a reminder that even the busiest of lives can accommodate delicious and healthy meals. Enjoy!
