*Serves 2
This recipe is wonderful because of the aromatics in it. It shows how using fresh mint can uplift a dish and adds a perfect finishing touch. Often mint is saved for desserts and smoothies, but it also adds a great pop of freshness to a bowl or salad. Mint is great for digestion so dont be shy to add a handful where you can. I’ve used couscous in this recipe, but if you would like, you can interchange it with freekeh. Freekeh is an ancient grain that is high in protein so give it a try if you haven’t already! You can also replace the chicken with tempeh or tofu to transform this into a vegan bowl and you cook it the same way you would the chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (or meat sub of your choice)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- salt and pepper
- 1 handful fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup couscous, uncooked
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 brown onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 100g Turkish apricots
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 handful fresh rocket
- olive oil and balsamic to dress
Instructions:
Preheat oven 180°C.
Place the chicken on a roasting tray. Season and add the thyme leaves. Place the sliced lemon on top of the chicken and roast in the oven for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
While the chicken is in the oven, put a small pot over medium heat and add the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, remove from the heat and add the couscous. Cover with a lid and allow to steam, about 5 minutes. When ready, fluff the couscous with a fork and mix well.
In a separate small pot over a medium heat, add the onion and garlic with a dash of coconut oil and sauté until soft. Add the spices and stir to release the flavour. If the spices dry out, add a dash of water. Add the apricots and mix well.
Remove the chicken from the oven and slice into pieces. Add the couscous, onion mix and chicken to a large salad bowl, and top with the mint, almonds and rocket. Toss all the ingredients together with a good glug of olive oil. Season to taste and enjoy!
Health Fact:
Almonds are rich in vitamins and minerals, protein, mono-saturated fats and poly-unsaturated oils. They are also an excellent source of anti-oxidants. You can soak your almonds overnight in water for easier digestion if you like.
-Melissa