Imagine a busy day where you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Yotam Ottolenghi, renowned for his flavorful and innovative dishes, offers a solution with his one-pot recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also burst with mouthwatering flavors. In this recipe inspired by Ottolenghi’s cooking style, you’ll create a warm and comforting meal using just one pot. Perfect for those cozy evenings at home or for entertaining guests with minimal effort, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire.
**Title: Ottolenghi’s One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Rice**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
5. Stir in the jasmine rice, coating it with the spices and vegetables in the pot.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
8. Add the Kalamata olives and chopped parsley to the pot, gently stirring them into the rice and chicken.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top and extra parsley for garnish.
This Ottolenghi-inspired one-pot Mediterranean chicken and rice dish is a feast for the senses, combining tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fragrant jasmine rice in a beautifully simple yet flavorful harmony. The colors and flavors of this dish will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful dinner party. Set the table, pour a glass of your favorite wine, and savor every bite of this comforting and satisfying meal that brings the taste of Ottolenghi’s renowned recipes right to your home.
