Persian Chicken Stew
with Red Lentils, Minty Yoghurt and Cumin Rice
What we call Iran today used to be known as Persia and it's a country with a rich culinary heritage. Not surprising when you see where it sits on the map - a link between the Middle East and the Far East, Russia and Arabia. Persian food has absorbed influences and ingredients from all these places and, in turn, influenced them. Tonight's stew has echoes of Dhansak but something all of its own as well.
The quantities provided above are averages only.
Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
Ingredients
1
Ground Coriander
1
Chicken Stock Powder
1
Echalion Shallot
150
Greek Style Natural Yoghurt
(Contains: Milk)
½
Green Chilli
¾
Cumin Seeds
150
Basmati Rice
50
Red Split Lentils
260
Diced Chicken Thigh
30
Tomato Puree
2
Ground Turmeric
1
Courgette
(May contain traces of: Celery)
½
Mint
Not included in your delivery
Water
300
Water for the Rice
Utensils
Instructions
Pop your kettle on to boil. Heat a splash of oil in a large saucepan on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown all over, 5-6 mins. While the chicken browns, halve, peel and thinly slice the shallot
Add the shallot, ground turmeric, ground coriander and half the cumin seeds to the pan. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 mins, then add the lentils and tomato purée. Cook for 1 minute, then add the water (see ingredients for amount). Bring to the boil, stir in half the stock powder, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 mins. Meanwhile, toast the remaining cumin seeds in another large saucepan on medium heat (no oil), 1 minute.
Add the water (see ingredients for amount). Bring to the boil then stir in the rice and remaining stock powder, lower the heat to medium and pop a lid on the pan. Cook for 10 mins, then remove from the heat and set aside (still covered) for another 10 mins or until ready to serve. TIP: The rice will finish cooking in its own steam.
Meanwhile, trim the courgette then quarter lengthways. Chop widthways into small pieces. When the stew has been cooking for 10 mins, stir in the courgette and pop a lid on the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 10-12 mins. TIP: If the stew is looking a bit dry, add a splash of water to loosen it up!
Halve the green chilli lengthways, deseed then finely slice. Pick the mint leaves from their stalks and finely chop (discard the stalks). In a small bowl, mix the Greek yoghurt with the mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep to one side.
Your stew is ready when the lentils are soft and the chicken is cooked. IMPORTANT: The chicken is cooked when it is no longer pink in the middle. Taste and season with salt and pepper, then stir in as much green chilli as you fancy (add less if you're not a fan of heat!). Fluff up the rice with a fork and serve it in bowls topped with the chicken stew. Add a dollop of minty yoghurt and a sprinkling of any remaining chilli. Enjoy!
