How good is pearl couscous?! It's awesome, right?! Sorry what? You've
NEVER had it? Good Lord - it's time you did! Why not start with the lovely Julie Goodwin's Chicken and Lemon Tagine? It's super easy and outrageously yum.
Here's the lowdown:
Julie Goodwin's Chicken and Lemon Tagine
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup olive oil
800g skinless chicken thigh fillets
4 garlic cloves
1 large onion
2 TBS sea salt
1 TBS ground turmeric
1 TBS ground cumin
1 lemon
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup water
1 cup pearl couscous
(this is the kicker!)
12 large green olives
(although I leave these out as it's more than my youngest child can bear)
1/4 bunch flat-leaf parsley
EASY PEASY PREP STUFF
Cut the onion into quarters, and place the pieces into a food processor (or Thermie) along with garlic, salt, turmeric, cumin and 3 TBS of oil. Zest and juice the lemon into the processor and whizz it all up until if forms a smooth paste. (Have a sneaky sniff! How good does it smell?)
Cut chicken thighs into thirds, pop into a large bowl and coat with the yummy paste. (Doesn't need to be marinated for any length of time - just well coated). Add oil to a chef pan with a lid, wait until oil is hot then add the coated chicken pieces. Fry without turning for about three minutes or until golden brown on one side. Turn chicken pieces over and slowly add chicken stock and water. Bring to the boil then reduce heat to low. Using a spoon, sprinkle in the pearl couscous spreading throughout the pan evenly, ensuring its submerged in the liquid. Pop on the lid and allow it to simmer away for about 15 minutes (without stirring) until the couscous is cooked and liquid is almost all absorbed. Sprinkle the parsley over the top, gently stir it through and voila! Serve it up. Yes - it's that easy! (And no, I haven't left any steps out as is my usual form in the kitchen).
* Can be served with your choice of green vegies too, if you want to boost the kids' intake.
If you want more excellent yumminess like this, you should check out Julie Goodwin's 20/20 Meals Book - it's a total winner for weeknight dinners for under $20.00 and it's completely devoid of any eyeroll-inducing recipes. I didn't even get a fake gag when I cooked this one. Winner.
Enjoy! (Not a sponsored post, just sharing some Julie Goodwin love).