Basmati Rice, warm spices and tender chicken cook up quickly and deliciously in an Instant Pot for a great, comforting family meal.
Each month Evelyne of CulturEatz invites us to explore the foods of a different country. This month she asked us to check out Afghanistan. I LOVE food from the Middle East. The warm spices, the easy preparation, and the health benefits call to me. This recipe has the added bonus of being made in the Instant Pot, resulting in perfectly cooked rice and tender, juicy chicken. While Afghanistan is not technically in the Middle East being located in South Asia the people who live there are considered Middle Eastern and not Asian.
- A Day in the Life on the Farm: Chicken Palau in an Instant Pot
- Culinary Cam: Afghani Dumplings: Aushak and Mantu
- Sneha’s Recipe: Keto Afghani Creamy Chicken Stew
- Amy’s Cooking Adventures: Aush (Afghan Noodle Soup)
- Kitchen Frau: Aush (Afghan Bean and Noodle Soup)
Tonight we are going to a Japanese Steakhouse after Mass before attending a concert tribute to All American Legends. We are being joined by Amy, Doug, John, and our friends Rose and Frank. It should be a good time.
Graphic courtesy of Google images.
It is hard to believe that we are coming up to the Lenten Holiday Season. We have invited our neighbors over to join us on Sunday for a Mardi Gras/Super Bowl gathering. We are not as excited as we would be had our Lions made it all the way but we will still have a fun celebration.
Graphic courtesy of Google images
We will pick up some Paczki and enjoy a Polish Dinner on Fat Tuesday.
Graphic courtesy of Google images
Valentine's Day falls on Ash Wednesday this year so we are celebrating our Valentine's Day on Monday because starting on Ash Wednesday we will be fasting, praying, giving alms, and abstaining for our Lenten observations.
Graphic courtesy of Google images
So here is our Weekly Menu going from Feasting to Fasting......
Saturday
Out for Dinner after Mass and before Concert
Sunday-Mardi Gras Celebration
Cocktails and Appetizers
Sausage Balls
Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms
Dinner
Mardi Gras Salad
Shrimp and Grits
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Dessert
Monday-Early Valentine's Day Celebration
Dark Chocolate Mousse
Fat Tuesday
Mashed Potatoes
Buttered Corn
Paczki
Ash Wednesday
Thursday
Fish Friday (Lent)
Crispy Cod with Sugar Snap Peas
Yield: 4 servings
Chicken Palau using an Instant Pot
Basmati Rice, warm spices and tender chicken cook up quickly and deliciously in an Instant Pot for a great, comforting family meal.
Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 6 MinInactive time: 15 MinTotal time: 41 Min
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. basmati rice
- 2 T. canola oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 t. whole peppercorns
- 1 (2") cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 t. cumin
- 1/2 t. coriander
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 t. ginger paste
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tomato, cut into small dice
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 1/2 c. water
- salt to taste
- mint for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Wash the rice, rinsing 3 or 4 times, until water runs clear. Cover with warm water and let soak while you continue with recipe.
- Set the instant pot to the saute setting. When hot, add the oil and onions. Season with salt and cook, stirring often, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook for a minute and then stir in the cumin, coriander, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken, season with salt, and cook until no longer pink, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and jalapeno and cook for another minute or two. Cancel the saute setting.
- Drain the rice and add to the pot. Season with salt and pour in the water, pressing down to make sure that all the rice gets submerged. Place the lid onto the instant pot, making sure that the vent is closed.
- Manually set the instant pot to high pressure for 6 minutes. When cooking is complete allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes.
- Carefully release any remaining pressure before opening the lid. Place the Palau onto a serving platter and sprinkle with mint for garnish, if desired.
Notes
Adapted from a recipe found at Tea for Turmeric
Nutrition Facts
Calories
479.34Fat (grams)
12.41 gSat. Fat (grams)
1.87 gCarbs (grams)
61.97 gFiber (grams)
2.68 gNet carbs
59.29 gSugar (grams)
2.27 gProtein (grams)
27.78 gSodium (milligrams)
162.78 mgCholesterol (grams)
107.73 mgProperty of A Day in the Life on the Farm
Still no Instant Pot, but I bet I can adapt this to a Dutch oven!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
DeleteFor sure, Margaret, enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a quick chicken palau made in the instant pot Wendy.. so quick and yet delicious!
ReplyDeleteVery delicious Sneha. Thanks.
Delete