Chicken with tomato sauce and couscous

Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Couscous: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

A classic and savory recipe, chicken with tomato sauce and couscous is a perfect choice for a quick and tasty dinner. This combination of tender meat and aromatic vegetables will delight your taste buds and bring joy to every serving. Additionally, couscous is a versatile side dish that complements this meal perfectly.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe History
Chicken with tomato sauce is a dish found in many corners of the world, with each culture contributing its own ingredients and cooking techniques. This recipe is a modern adaptation that combines simple, easily accessible ingredients into a healthy and filling meal. Couscous, a wheat-based side dish, is popular in various cuisines, appreciated for its light texture and quick preparation.

Ingredients for Chicken with Tomato Sauce:
- 2 chicken thighs (preferably from free-range birds)
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (can be green, red, or yellow, depending on preference)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 5 tablespoons of tomato paste or puree (choose a high-quality product for a more flavorful sauce)
- 1 cup of water (if necessary, to thin the sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Thyme (fresh or dried, depending on availability)
- Curry (optional, for an exotic touch)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil

Ingredients for Couscous Side Dish:
- 200 g couscous
- 1 small onion
- 1 bell pepper (you can use the same type as for the chicken)
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 piece of celery
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Thyme, for flavor
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Chicken: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Cut them into portions if necessary and season with salt and pepper on both sides. These spices will help enhance the flavors.

2. Preparing the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with olive oil, ensuring it is well coated to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs in the dish, distributing them evenly.

3. Preparing the Sauce: Peel and finely chop the onion. If you have frozen bell pepper, you can add it directly to the mixture. Mix the onion, bell pepper, crushed garlic (for an intense flavor), and tomato puree in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, and thyme, and if the sauce is too thick, thin it with a cup of water. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.

4. Cooking the Chicken: Cover the dish with a lid (or aluminum foil) and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes. This will allow the heat to penetrate evenly, cooking the meat inside. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and let the chicken brown for another 10 minutes or until it turns golden and crispy.

5. Preparing the Couscous Side Dish: Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables for the side dish. Cut the onion, bell pepper, carrot, parsnip, and celery into small cubes. Boil them in a pot of salted water, ensuring not to use too much water, so as not to dilute the flavors.

6. Browning the Couscous: In a skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and when hot, add the couscous. Sauté it lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step will give it a richer flavor.

7. Finishing the Side Dish: After the vegetables have boiled for about 10-15 minutes, add the sautéed couscous over them. Ensure the water covers the pasta well, add thyme and curry, and then season with salt. Cover with a lid and let simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

8. Serving: Once the chicken is browned and the sauce has thickened, serve it warm alongside the couscous side dish. You can garnish with a few fresh parsley leaves for an extra touch of color and freshness.

Practical Tips:
- If you want to add a touch of acidity, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the tomato sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
- Experiment with other spices, such as paprika or cumin, to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Chicken with tomato sauce reheated is just as tasty, so don’t hesitate to make a larger portion.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken breast, turkey, or even pork.
- How can I make the sauce spicier? Add chili peppers or chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Is this recipe suitable for children? Yes, it is a healthy and tasty meal, but you can reduce the amount of spices if you prefer a milder flavor.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe offers a balanced meal, rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, thanks to the vegetables and spices used. A serving of chicken with tomato sauce and couscous contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the portions of vegetables. It is a healthy choice that will provide you with the energy needed for an active day.

This chicken with tomato sauce and couscous recipe is not only simple but also full of flavors, perfect for a family meal or a romantic dinner. Enjoy every bite and savor the time spent in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into delicious dishes!

 Ingredients: 2 chicken thighs, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 5 cloves of garlic, 5 tablespoons of tomato paste or broth, 1 cup of water, salt, pepper, thyme, curry, 3 tablespoons of olive oil. For couscous garnish: 200 g couscous, 1 small onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, 1 piece of celery, salt, pepper, thyme, 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

 Tags:  chicken vegetables couscous