Wednesday 4 May 2011

Chicken with Greek Herb Sauce & Rocket and Lemon Couscous

It's gonna be a busy time few weeks ahead, mostly in my academic life. I am working on another essay which is due sometime this month (I really need to find out the date. Sometimes I am appalled by my own so-called organisation skill). My new 10-week-class started yesterday which can only be described as... I don't even know where to start... let's just say the topic is not my area of interest in the slightest and leave it there. I have lots of reading to do. I also really need to start writing my dissertation. 

My dissertation revolves around the sociology of food and its meaning. Don't worry, you'll be reading more about this (the dissertation and my possible tantrum) in the coming months, I must warn you. I might be asking your opinions too. In the meantime, all the cooking, eating and blogging, I'll count it as part of the research...

Dinner tonight consisted of chicken with Greek herb sauce. I use chicken thighs here rather than breasts and you know why... half the price, twice the flavour. The thighs are marinated quickly in lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper before cooked in the oven. The refreshing Greek herb sauce is made of yoghurt, spring onions, green chilli, garlic, cucumber, fresh coriander and mint leaves. Accompanying the chicken perfectly, is this delicious rocket and lemon couscous. I like the word couscous... funny word isn't it? I'm easily amused. Anyway, this is so good, I'd be happy to eat it just as it is, but absolutely lovely with grilled chicken or lamb and perhaps, tomato-based stews... 


Rocket and Lemon Couscous
Recipe by Nigella Lawson
Serves 4 - 6

800 ml chicken or vegetable stock (made from concentrate, cube or granules), preferably organic
3 x 15 ml tablespoons garlic oil
500 g couscous
zest and juice 1 lemon
4 spring onions, finely sliced
100 g rocket leaves
salt and pepper, to taste

Make up the stock with boiling water. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan that comes with a lid, then add the couscous and fry, stirring at all time, for 2 - 3 minutes.

Pour in the hot stock, still stirring, and keep stirring over a very gentle heat until the stock is absorbed into the couscous, about 5 minutes.

Turn off the heat, leaving the pan where it is, with a tight-fitting lid, for another 10 minutes.

Fork through the couscous, turning it out into a big bowl. Keep working the couscous with the fork to make it lump free. Sprinkle in the lemon zest and juice, sliced spring onions and salt and pepper, to taste, before adding the rocket leaves, and tossing together carefully to mix.

12 comments:

  1. I am FULL of opinions so ask away! ha

    Lovely meal, would be perfect over the crackers Ill be having.

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  2. Lovely dish! So interested in your dissertation too! Good luck with the subject you don't like! They are so hard!

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  3. god this looks so yummy, I love this kind of light chicken with yoghurt, it's so summery and packed with flavour.... can't wait to hear more about your dissertation... keep it up old chap!

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  4. Thank you for not falling back on the boneless skinless breasts. You are an adventurous cook, which I admire.

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  5. I wish Chris didn't have such an aversion to dark meat... I would buy thighs all the time! They definitely have so much more flavor.
    Good luck to you in the next few weeks, definitely sounds like you will be busy...but I look forward to hearing your rants...I mean more about your dissertation :)

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  6. Whoa... dissertation. Sounds fancy!
    So does this dish you made. I have been eating mainly vegetarian lately but I'm starting to think I should add more protein back into my diet. I should totally start with this dish.

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  7. Michael-Your dissertation of food is right down my "alley"...so when the time comes, ask away, and I would be happy to answer and maybe help with any of your questions.
    In the meantime, pass the delicious plate of your chicken thighs...dark meat is my favorite!
    The couscous is so yummy, as well!

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  8. I'm always amused when I hear Jamie Oliver talk about rocket. He uses it for every dish. We call Rocket arugula...I love the spicy flavor. Bet it's great with lemon couscous.

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  9. Lord have mercy, if I thought I had to write a dissertation I know I would throw a tantrum, hissy-fit and cuss like a sailor all at the same time (there is a difference) ... funny you are amused with couscous while I find rocket leaves hilarious...

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  10. The combination of the lemon with the 'bite' of the rocket must be such a 'zap'to the tastebuds! So fresh and very Springtime! Good luck with the academia ... been there, done that! And it's not fun when it's 'required', but not high interest! Thought of you when I drove through Sunderland, Massachusetts yesterday ... ha!

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  11. I simply LOVE the name of your blog! lol Great "meeting" you today via Chef Dennis!

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  12. This looks delicious and I too would have used chicken thighs.
    I cannot tell you how glad I am that I never have to write a dissertation again. Good luck with it, I remember the stressful late nights all too well. x

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