Chicken Sauté with Eggplants and Tomatoes

This delightful recipe combines the rich and savory flavors of chicken, eggplants, and tomatoes to create a mouth-watering dish that's sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, the marriage of tender chicken with the creaminess of eggplants and the freshness of tomatoes is simply irresistible. This sauté beautifully incorporates a blend of spices including cumin, cinnamon, and coriander, providing an exotic aroma and taste. The dish is further enhanced with the nutty crunch of pistachios and the creamy touch of Greek yogurt. To complement the rich flavors, a serving of couscous makes the perfect base, absorbing the fragrant sauce and providing a satisfying texture. Preparing this dish requires a bit of attention to detail, but the results are sure to be worth it. Its vibrant colors and intricate tastes will surely make it a favorite for those who try it. Whether served with a simple green salad or a crusty loaf of bread, this meal is a complete treat for the senses!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 eggplants
4-6 red and yellow tomatoes
5 spring onions
Chicken thighs

Spices and Sauces

Coriander
Cumin
Salt
Ground black pepper
Ground cinnamon
Saffron
Chili pepper

Others

Pistachios
Greek fat-free yogurt
Couscous
Olive oil

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Chicken: Start by deboning the chicken thighs and placing them in the refrigerator to chill.
Soak the Couscous: Measure 1 cup of couscous into a bowl, pour over 2 cups of hot water, and let it soak.
Infuse the Saffron: Place the saffron threads in boiling water and allow them to steep for a while.
Grind the Spices: Use a mortar and pestle to grind the cinnamon, pepper, salt, and coriander into a fine powder.
Season the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs with the ground spice mixture, ensuring they're well-covered.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat a pan, add the seasoned chicken, and let it sauté gently.
Cook the Eggplants: Rinse the eggplants and microwave them for 7-8 minutes until soft.
Chop the Vegetables: Dice the tomatoes into various sizes, chop the spring onions, and mince one-third of the chili pepper.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, toss in the tomatoes, chili, and spring onions, sauté briefly, then add the saffron-infused water.
Combine Eggplants: Once the eggplants are cooked, slice them in half and add them to the pan with the chicken.
Transfer the Couscous: Move the soaked couscous to another bowl.
Crush the Pistachios: Using a mortar, crush the shelled pistachios.
Layer the Dishes: Pour the tomato mixture over the couscous, then toast the pistachios in the pan.
Assemble the Dish: Arrange all the components on a plate in this order: couscous, tomato mixture, eggplants, chicken. Sprinkle with toasted pistachios and finish with 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt on top.
Serve and Enjoy: Indulge yourself and your guests with the aromatic and flavorful dish!

Tips

Substitutions: Zucchini can replace eggplants, and quinoa can be an alternative to couscous.
Techniques: Toasting spices before grinding them can intensify their flavors.
Handling Safran: Be cautious with saffron, as a little goes a long way.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 30g
Fats: 15g
Carbs: 50g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and use mushrooms or chickpeas.
Spice Level: Adjust the quantity of chili peppers to increase or decrease the heat level.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Beverages: A light white wine or herbal tea would complement the dish well.

Best Places

La Maison Rouge - Known for its delightful twist on traditional Mediterranean dishes. Location: 123 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
The Olive Bazaar - Offers a vibrant array of Middle Eastern delights. Location: 456 Olive St, San Francisco, USA.
Saffron Kitchen - An intimate spot for a delicious Mediterranean meal. Location: 789 Spice Ave, London, UK.
Golden Spoon Bistro - Famed for its innovative and fresh ingredients. Location: 321 Culinary Rd, New York, USA.
Azafrán Palace - A luxurious dining experience with incredible Mediterranean flavors. Location: 654 Gourmet St, Madrid, Spain.
Mediterraneo - Brings the best of the sea and land to your table. Location: 987 Wave crt, Venice, Italy.
Pistachio & Co. - Specializes in nut-infused recipes. Location: 246 Nut Lane, Istanbul, Turkey.
Yogurt Haven - Known for its delicious and healthy yogurt treats. Location: 135 Cold Cream Dr, Athens, Greece.
Courtyard Grills - Famous for its open kitchen and flavorful dishes. Location: 579 Patio Path, Sydney, Australia.
Gourmet Getaway - A retreat for food lovers with a passion for Mediterranean cuisine. Location: 864 Culinary Crescent, Cape Town, South Africa.