Chicken with sesame paste and carrot and zucchini tagliatelle
Chicken with sesame paste and carrot and zucchini tagliatelle
This delicious recipe for chicken with sesame paste and vegetable tagliatelle is not only healthy but also full of flavor, perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner. Preparing this dish will bring Eastern aromas into your kitchen, and the tahini paste you make yourself will transform this dish into a true delicacy. Additionally, the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used make this recipe an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
For the sesame paste:
- 200 g sesame seeds
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (preferably sesame, but sunflower oil can also be used)
For the sesame sauce:
- 2-3 tablespoons tahini paste
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh mint
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed
For the garnish:
- 2 large carrots
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 boneless chicken breast
- Spices, to taste (pepper, paprika, etc.)
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the sesame paste
The first step in this recipe is to prepare the sesame paste. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Stir constantly to heat them evenly, being careful not to brown them, as this could make them bitter. This process takes only 1-2 minutes. Once the seeds are warm, let them cool. Then transfer them to a blender and blend until they become a fine powder. Add the oil and a few tablespoons of water to achieve a creamy consistency. Blend again until you obtain the perfect sesame paste. You can store the resulting paste in a small jar in the fridge for later use. This amount is sufficient for 2 recipes.
Step 2: Preparing the sesame sauce
For the sauce, take half of the sesame paste obtained, add the lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and the fresh herbs. Blend everything until it becomes a homogeneous mixture. This sauce will add a delicious flavor to your chicken.
Step 3: Preparing the chicken
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Mix these cubes with the sesame sauce and transfer them to a clay dish. Cover and bake at low heat. Cook until the meat is tender and juicy, about 20 minutes. It’s a good idea to check the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Step 4: Preparing the vegetable tagliatelle
Meanwhile, prepare the carrot and zucchini tagliatelle. Peel the vegetables and use a mandoline to cut them into long strips. These will become delicious and colorful tagliatelle. If you want, you can leave them raw, but to make your loved ones appreciate them, opt for a brief blanching: place the vegetables in boiling salted water for 1 minute, then drain. This trick preserves nutrients and gives a pleasant texture.
Step 5: Serving
On plates, place a bed of vegetable tagliatelle, then add the chicken cubes with sesame sauce on top. You can garnish with a few fresh parsley or mint leaves for an attractive appearance. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Tips and variations
- Tip: If you want to add extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken with the sesame sauce a few hours before baking it. This will intensify the taste.
- Variation: Instead of zucchini, you can use courgette or even butternut squash cut into thin strips. This will add a sweet note to the dish.
- Recommended drinks: This dish pairs perfectly with a cold mint tea or a dry white wine.
Nutritional benefits
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the sesame seeds add healthy fats and fiber. Carrots and zucchini are full of essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish an excellent nutritional choice.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! You can replace chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- How can I store tahini paste? Tahini paste keeps very well in the fridge for several weeks, so you can make a larger batch and use it in various recipes.
This chicken recipe with sesame paste and vegetable tagliatelle is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, offering a perfect balance between health and flavor. So don’t hesitate to try it and enjoy its aromas!
Ingredients: For the sesame paste we need: 200 g sesame seeds, 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (preferably sesame oil to enhance the flavor - I used sunflower oil). For the sesame sauce we need: 2-3 tablespoons tahini paste, juice from 1/2 lemon, fresh parsley and mint (I used 1/2 bunch of parsley and 3-4 mint sprigs). For the garnish we need: 2 large carrots, 1 medium zucchini. Additionally, we need 1 boneless chicken breast, spices to taste.
