Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps with Goat Cheese
Try this recipe for Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps with Goat Cheese.
Try this recipe for Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps with Goat Cheese.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (i like to use chobani 0%)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced or grated
- 3/4 cup dry couscous
- 1/2 - 1 cup spinach chopped
- 1/3 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and sliced, reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the oil
- 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 pomegr
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoon greek yogurt
- 4-8 pieces of [naan | http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemad for serving
- Carbohydrate 40.2670879059958 g
- Cholesterol 101.793928623984 mg
- Fat 36.2717928864789 g
- Fiber 6.20906315261149 g
- Protein 40.6412350787512 g
- Saturated Fat 10.152419218147 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (284g)
- Sodium 433.400354257103 mg
- Sugar 34.0580247533843 g
- Trans Fat 2.36906382977071 g
- Calories 637 calories
Step-by-step
- To marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl or gallon-size ziplock bag, combine 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 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 and oil, pistachios, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
- To make the Tahini sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini (microwave for 20-30 seconds if too thick), olive oil, garlic, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 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, shaking off 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 tahini sauce down the center of warmed naan. Add the couscous and chicken, then top with crumbled goat cheese. Garnish with chopped cilantro, more pistachios, and pomegranate arils (if desired). Wrap and eat!
A Culinary Journey to the Middle East: Homemade Chicken and Couscous Wraps
The aroma of warm spices and the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean—that's the experience I wanted to bring to my kitchen tonight. I've always loved exploring different cuisines, and Middle Eastern food, with its exotic blend of flavors and textures, has always held a special appeal. This recipe for Chicken and Couscous Wraps with Goat Cheese isn't just a meal; it's a journey. It's a taste of sun-drenched markets, bustling souks, and the warmth of family gatherings around a shared table. The process itself is a meditative experience, a quiet dance of chopping, stirring, and simmering that allows me to connect with the food and the culture behind it.
The star of the show, the chicken, is first marinated in a fragrant blend of Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, and warming spices like cumin and cinnamon. This tenderizes the meat beautifully and infuses it with a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. The yogurt adds a creamy richness, while the spices transport you to a vibrant spice market in Marrakech. I let the chicken marinate overnight – time is a luxury I relish in the kitchen, allowing the flavors to fully meld and deepen. The wait is worth it, believe me. It's the kind of preparation that slows down the frantic pace of daily life and allows for a more mindful approach to cooking.
While the chicken marinates, the couscous comes to life. This isn't just any couscous; it's a vibrant medley of flavors and textures. I add spinach for a boost of nutrients and a lovely pop of green, Kalamata olives for their briny tang, and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and sunshine. The pistachios provide a delightful crunch, and the fresh cilantro offers a refreshing herbaceous note. It’s a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures, a true celebration of the Middle Eastern pantry.
The tahini sauce is the perfect finishing touch, a creamy and nutty sauce that ties all the elements together. The creamy tahini, a sesame paste that’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, blends seamlessly with the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic. The addition of pomegranate arils adds a jewel-toned beauty and a delightful burst of tartness that balances the richness of the other ingredients perfectly. It's the kind of sauce that makes you want to lick the bowl clean!
Finally, the assembly! Warm naan bread serves as the perfect canvas, a soft and yielding base for the delicious chicken, flavorful couscous, and creamy goat cheese. Each bite is an explosion of texture and flavor—tender chicken, fluffy couscous, salty olives, creamy goat cheese, and that wonderful tahini sauce. I love the versatility of this recipe. It can be a quick weeknight meal, or a more elaborate dish for a special occasion. I’ve served it to friends and family, and it’s always a hit.
Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe embodies a sense of travel and exploration. It's a taste of a culture different from my own, a chance to learn, and to connect with the world through the universal language of food. It's a reminder that even the simplest of meals can be a journey, an adventure for the senses. So gather your ingredients, put on some Middle Eastern music, and embark on this culinary expedition with me. You won’t regret it. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a culinary adventure that will transport you, one bite at a time, to the vibrant heart of the Middle East.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it's a pathway to understanding a different culture. I encourage you to explore more about Middle Eastern cuisine and the rich history behind it. Read about the spices, learn about the cooking techniques, and most importantly, have fun experimenting and adapting the recipe to your own preferences. You might discover new flavors and variations that become your new favorites. And remember, cooking is a journey, not a destination. So, embrace the process, enjoy the flavors, and savor the experience.
This recipe also presents a great opportunity for a family activity. Involve your kids in the preparation, making it a fun and educational experience. Teaching them about different cultures through food is a fantastic way to expand their horizons and create lasting memories. Remember to adjust the spice levels according to your preferences, and most importantly, have fun with it!
