2. Inspired by Middle Eastern spicing -sumac chicken and Israeli/pearl couscous easily prepared and served in one oven-safe dish

This recipe is made in its entirety in an oven-safe casserole dish.  All the ingredients are mixed together in the dish itself, and then cooked for 45 minutes plus an extra 15 minutes at 425 degrees F. 

This is truly the simplest recipe that punches, and dances with earthy aromatic flavours. Every bite is a delight.

This is an adaptation of an Israeli (or pearl) couscous with chicken recipe that has earned a regular rotation in my household due to the ease, simplicity, and gorgeous rich flavours.  Date syrup is one of the exciting ingredients that binds the spices together, and transports us to exotic lands far away.

I have not easily found sumac nor date syrup in my regular grocery stores, both ingredients were found local but, at a Middle Eastern grocers. If you can’t find sumac or date syrup, both can be ordered on Amazon.

Shopping

4 chicken breast – boneless, skinless – approx. 1 kg

Spices: turmeric, garlic powder, sumac, salt

Date syrup

Israeli couscous – may be listed as pearl couscous

Tomato paste

Olive oil

Carrot (optional)

Zucchini (optional)

Parsley or coriander to garnish

Get ready

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts cubed into bite-sized pieces.

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

1 teaspoon of turmeric

1 tablespoon of salt (to taste depending on your stock or water choice)

1 teaspoon of sumac

1 tablespoon of garlic powder

1 cup (250 g ) Israeli couscous

1/3 olive oil

1/3 cup date syrup

2 ½ cups of chicken broth or water

Optional – one shredded carrot and/or zucchini

Method

Using an oven safe dish add all the spices, olive oil and date syrup and mix in the dish.

Add the chopped chicken and combine being sure to coat the chicken thoroughly.

If you want to add some carrot I recommend shredding one carrot and or zucchini and adding here.

Add the couscous and water, mix and cover with aluminum foil in preheated oven.

After 45 minutes, remove the casserole dish from the oven and give everything a good stir. Then place the dish back in the oven uncovered for a further 15 or 20 minutes.

Ladle each serving into bowls or plates and garnish with chopped parsley or coriander and shredded lettuce.

Serve and enjoy!