Greek Chicken and Lentil Casserole
May 25, 2020
: 4
: 5 min
: 40 min
: Easy
Inspired by cupboard ingredients, this no-fuss chicken casserole will feed the whole family. Succulent chicken legs, classic Mediterranean spices and Puy lentils merge into a warming, comforting stew. Garnish with parsley and serve with white rice or crusty sourdough bread.
Ingredients
- 4 large organic chicken legs, skin on
- 60 ml olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Greek oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red bell pepper flakes
- Fresh nutmeg
- 400g can diced tomatoes
- 680g jar tomato passata (plain)
- 2 dried Greek bay leaves
- 1 packet of Merchant Gourmet Puy Lentils (250 g, cooked)
- Handful finely chopped parsley
- Cooked white rice or crusty sourdough (to serve)
Directions
- Step 1 In a dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pan and add the chicken legs skin-side down first. Cook on each side until brown all over.
- Step 2 Remove the chicken legs from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel.
- Step 3 Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, oregano, red bell pepper flakes and a shaving of fresh nutmeg. Cook for 5-10 minutes (or until translucent).
- Step 4 Add the diced tomatoes and passata. (Fill the tin/jar with a little water and slosh around to get the remaining tomato juices). Add the bay leaves and lentils and bring to a boil.
- Step 5 Reduce the heat to medium-low and return the chicken to the pan. Cook for a further 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked. (If the sauce reduces too quickly just add a bit more water, and cover.)
- Step 6 Take off the heat, remove the bay leaves and stir through the parsley.
- Step 7 Serve with cooked white rice or crusty sourdough to mop up the sauce.
Variations:
- We used Puy lentils, but you could experiment with other pulses of your choice, like large butter beans or chickpeas.
- If you have more time, try our Homestyle Greek Lamb Neck Stew.
“What was wonderful about childhood is that anything in it was a wonder. It was not merely a world full of miracles; it was a miraculous world.” G.K. Chesterton
As you are cooking the meal, call to mind a special meal from your childhood. Commit to re-creating it for your loved ones. If you are comfortable, share its significance with them.
