Quick & Easy Wednesday Dinners

Wednesday, a night of quiet anticipation, the perfect canvas for a culinary masterpiece. Tonight, we embark on a journey through diverse culinary traditions, weaving together a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Protein:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1 cup vegetable broth

1/4 cup red wine

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Couscous:

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups boiling water

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Feta cheese, crumbled

Image Source: foodpluswords.com

Preparation Process:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Coat chicken thighs with the spice mixture.

Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through.

2. Make the Sauce:

Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onion and garlic, cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, red wine, brown sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Couscous:

In a bowl, combine couscous, boiling water, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.

Fluff with a fork.

Total Time Required: 60-70 minutes

Serving Ideas:

Serve the chicken over the couscous, topped with the rich tomato sauce.

Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese.

Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Cultural Influences:

This dish is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. The tomato sauce is reminiscent of Italian cuisine, while the spices and couscous pay homage to North African and Middle Eastern traditions. The simplicity of the preparation and the bold flavors make this dish a perfect representation of the culinary world’s rich tapestry.

As the aroma of this dish fills the air, it carries with it the whispers of distant lands and the echoes of ancient culinary traditions. Each bite is a journey, a testament to the power of food to connect cultures and evoke emotions.