Noticing so many eastern Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurants becoming popular, I was hungry for a quick dinner with their savory and aromatic flavors. Using za'atar found in the spice section of the market, I created this quick dinner with very little effort.
Za'atar, a spice mixture used in many eastern Mediterranean countries, is made with varying types of spices. In general, it’s a combination of dried oregano, thyme, sumac and sesame seeds. You can also find it in jars mixed with olive oil. This can also be used in the recipe.
Helpful Hints:
— You can use any type of microwaveable rice if basmati rice isn’t available.
— You can use chicken tenders instead of chicken breast.
— You can use four garlic cloves instead of minced garlic.
Countdown:
— Prepare ingredients.
— Start chicken.
— While chicken sautees, microwave zucchini and rice.
— Complete the recipe.
Shopping List:
To buy: 1 bottle za'atar spice, 1 lemon, 1 jar minced garlic, 1 container no-salt-added chicken broth, 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 large zucchini, 1 bunch cilantro and 1 package microwaveable basmati rice.
Staples: olive oil, salt and black peppercorns.
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LEBANESE CHICKEN AND BASMATI RICE
Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer
2 tablespoons za'atar seasoning
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup no-salt-added chicken broth
3/4 pound boneless chicken breast
2 cups1/4-inch zucchini cubes
1 1/2-cups microwave basmati rice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
Mix za'atar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and chicken broth together in a small bowl. Place chicken on a cutting board. Remove visible fat from chicken and pound until about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. This can be done with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a sturdy skillet. Heat a nonstick skillet just large enough to hold the chicken in one layer over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown 3 minutes. Turn chicken over and add the za'atar sauce to the skillet and cook 3 minutes. If za'atar sauce runs dry, add a little more broth. Meanwhile, place the zucchini in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and add the basmati rice for 1 minute or according to package instructions. Measure 1 1/2 cups and reserve any remaining rice for another meal. Add the rice to the zucchini and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Divide the rice between 2 dinner plates. Place the chicken over the rice. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle cilantro on top.
Yield 2 servings.
Per serving: 541 calories (33% from fat), 19.6 g fat (3.2 g saturated, 8.2 g monounsaturated), 126 mg cholesterol, 44.4 g protein, 45.3 g carbohydrates, 3.1 g fiber, 273 mg sodium.
