Baharat Chicken

Summer is here and it's grill time! Middle Eastern cuisine offers a variety of refreshing and flavorful dishes that are perfect for summertime. This is because many Middle Eastern dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, making them perfect for summer with bright flavors that complement the warm weather. Grilling meat is a typical cooking methodology in the the Middle Eastern culture along with serving cooling dips and salads, like hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh. These dishes are perfect for hot weather, as they're refreshing and hydrating.

Baharat chicken is an aromatic Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity around the world. Baharat, which means "spices" in Arabic, is a blend of various spices that varies by region, but typically includes cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. This spice mix is used to season chicken and other meats, as well as soups, stews, and rice dishes.

Baharat chicken is typically made by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of Baharat spice, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, then grilling or baking until cooked through. The resulting dish is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, with a warm and slightly sweet aroma from the spices.

Whether enjoyed as a main course with rice and vegetables or used as a filling for wraps and sandwiches, Baharat chicken is a another great recipe to try this summer!

Ingredients: Baharat Blend

2 Tbs. Paprika

1 Tbs. Cumin (Ground)

1 Tbs. Coriander (Ground)

1 Tbs. Cinnamon (Ground)

1 Tsp. Nutmeg (Ground)

1 Tsp. Allspice (Ground)

1 Tsp. Black pepper (Freshly Cracked)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all of the spices and mix well.

2. If using whole spices, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then grind them in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle before adding them to the bowl.

3. Store the spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Ingredients: Baharat Chicken

6 Pcs. Skinless Chicken Thighs

3 Tbs. Baharat Spice Blend

6 Pcs. Garlic (minced)

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

3 Tbs. Lemon Juice (Fresh)

As Needed Salt

Garnish Parsley & Mint Mix

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the baharat spice blend, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to combine.

2. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat it well with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade.

5. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

7. Serve the chicken hot with your desired sides, like fresh salads, labneh (yogurt sauce), Toum (Garlic Sauce) and basmati rice or Pita bread.

Pairing:

Sweet and spice bomb of peppers and mandarin oranges

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