A substantial, savory dish, braised lentils with cumin-spiced chicken blends the earthy richness of lentils with the strong, fragrant spices of cumin. This healthy dish is ideal for a protein-rich lunch or a cozy supper.
Recipe Overview
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | :4 |
Ingredients
For the Lentils:
- One cup of washed lentils, either brown or green
- One medium onion, cut finely
- One medium carrot, chopped
- One celery stem, chopped
- Garlic: two minced cloves
- Two teaspoons of tomato paste
- Three cups of vegetable or chicken stock
- One bay leaf
- Two teaspoons of olive oil
- To taste, add salt and black pepper.
For the Cumin-Spiced Chicken:
- Four chicken thighs (for taste, bone-in, skin-on is best)
- Cumin powder: two tablespoons
- One teaspoon of paprika
- One-half teaspoon of powdered turmeric
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- Two teaspoons of olive oil
- To taste, add salt and black pepper.
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- slices of lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Combine the ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Apply a large amount of this spice mixture to the chicken thighs.
- In a big skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- The chicken thighs should be golden brown after 4–5 minutes on each side of the grill. Take them out of the pan and put them aside to finish cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils
- Add olive oil if necessary and cook the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in the same pan until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
- To improve the flavor, add the tomato paste and heat for one minute.
- Add the bay leaf, stock, and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Lentils
- Make sure the seared chicken thighs are slightly immersed in the liquid by nestling them into the lentils.
- For 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C), cover the pan and simmer on low heat.
- If necessary, add more salt and black pepper to adjust the seasoning.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Place the chicken on a serving platter after spooning the lentils onto it.
- For a zesty twist, serve with lemon wedges on the side and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Success
- For optimal taste, use bone-in chicken thighs, although boneless thighs or breasts will also work.
- To cut down on cooking time, soak the lentils for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you want your lentils spicy, add a little chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions
To absorb the delicious broth, serve this meal with steamed rice or crusty toast.
Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
Savor this hearty and nourishing Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Braised Lentils!
