Main Course

2 Comments

This super flavourful, satisfying, and filling chicken hummus bowl with quinoa is a must-try dish for a healthy meal. The colors and flavors in this Mediterranean-style dish are so irresistible.

Assembled roasted shawarma chicken hummus bowl with quinoa and peppers, topped with fresh herbs, olives and lime wedges.

I love making wholesome dishes, such as one-pot Mexican chicken and rice, that include grains, veggies/greens, and protein all in one dish for a healthy and easy lunch or dinner.

Likewise, this shawarma chicken hummus bowl is prepared with healthy protein, fluffy quinoa, and roasted veggies.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What is special about this dish

Protein-rich and a filling bowl for a healthy meal.
Loaded with flavors and aromas that will make you more hungry.
Colorful veggies and toppings in a bowl make it tempting.
Easy to prepare and ready in 30-45 mins. if you have all the ingredients.
Perfect for the party crowd.
You can include this hummus bowl in summer barbeque menus.
Versatile - customize toppings as per your liking.

Ingredients

Chicken - I usually purchase boneless and skinless chicken thighs. For this recipe, I like to cut it into ½" stripes (like fajita style). However, you can dice it into bite-size pieces. Or keep it whole and cut after cooking to avoid handling raw meat. In our local meat shop, they cut it the way you want. You can use chicken breasts as well if you prefer it.
Hummus - most of the time, I prepare it at home. If you are busy and want to skip this step, buy good quality hummus from the store.
Shawarma marinade/spice blend - use a store-bought blend or make your special blend using ground cumin, coriander, paprika, nutmeg, turmeric, black pepper, and, of course, salt to get the shawarma flavors in the chicken and veggies.
Veggies - use different colored bell peppers to make a nutritious and inviting dish.
Quinoa - cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Use either broth or water to cook it.
Oil - any cooking oil like avocado or olive oil (made for sauteeing and grilling with a high smoke point) will work for making roasted veggies and shawarma chicken. You can also add some extra-virgin olive to the quinoa while cooking and drizzle some on the final dish.
Toppings - you can use sliced olives, chopped cilantro or parsley, pita chips, lime wedges, etc., to garnish and as toppings on the quinoa and hummus bowl.

See the recipe card below for more details and quantities.

Best hummus for hummus bowl

Buy good quality hummus without any unfamiliar ingredients. Even best if you make it at home using canned or chickpeas cooked at home.

I use classic hummus in this recipe to enjoy the shawarma chicken flavors. However, you can make hummus with flavors like roasted red pepper hummus. Or, prepare pumpkin hummus to make this hummus bowl perfect for the fall season. Use seasonal spring green peas to prepare hummus with peas.

Chicken breasts vs chicken thighs and what to use?

I prefer using boneless chicken thighs over the breasts. A thigh cut is more juicy upon cooking. Chicken breast tends to dry out when cooking and can easily become tough and chewy if they are cooked at high temperatures for longer periods. Also, chicken breasts are the more expensive cut of the chicken.

If you know how to cook chicken breasts perfectly, you can use them in this recipe.

Preparation tips!

Sliced raw chicken, bell peppers, olives and chopped garlic in separate bowls on flat surface.

Cut chicken into strips - slice chicken thighs into thin ½" stripes. Or you can cook the marinated thighs and then cut them into strips.
Cut peppers - Trim the end, remove seeds, and slice bell peppers into ½" stripes.
Olives - cut them in half.
Garlic - finely mince or chop it to distribute in the shawarma chicken marinade evenly.

Easy chicken shawarma marinade

In a large bowl, combine chicken with shawarma spice blend, minced garlic, oil, and some lime juice, and mix everything well to coat the chicken with the marinade evenly.

Use store-bought shawarma spice blend or make it at home. To prepare a homemade blend, combine ground cumin, coriander, paprika, nutmeg, turmeric, black pepper, and salt; mix well (see the Notes section in the recipe card).

Sliced raw chicken with shawarma spice mix, salt and garlic in a mixing bowl ready for marination.

Raw chicken marinated with shawarma spices in a mixing bowl.

Suggested marinating time - marinate the chicken with shawarma spice blend for at least 30 mins. Or do it a few hours before cooking for even better results.

The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you marinate the chicken for more than 1 hr, put it in the refrigerator to avoid going bad.

How to make chicken hummus bowl

Step 1: Pan-roasted shawarma chicken and peppers

Heat some cooking oil in a large cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until it is well done and all the water evaporates. Once done, take it out and keep it aside.

Marinated chicken in a skillet is ready to cook.

Roasted shawarma chicken in a skillet with wooden spatula.

Then, add sliced bell peppers in the same pan and saute for 3-4 mins. Or cook it until tender, as per your preference.

Roasted red peppers in a skillet with wooden spatula.

Oven-roasted shawarma chicken and peppers.

Preheat oven to 400F. Place sliced bell peppers on a large baking sheet. Add some shawarma spice mix and rub on the bell peppers. Spread the peppers evenly on one side of the tray.

Spread marinated chicken pieces on the other side of the tray. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18 mins. Finally, turn on the broiler mode and broil the peppers and chicken for 2-3 mins to get the roasted texture and colors.

Step 2: Prepare quinoa

Meanwhile, cook the quinoa with broth or water and some salt. Generally, it takes 15-18 mins to cook it on the stovetop.

Step 3: Assemble the chicken and hummus bowl

In a medium to large serving bowl, layer the hummus. Place fluffed quinoa and top it with roasted shawarma chicken, peppers, olives, cilantro or parsley, lime wedges, pita chips, etc. Optionally drizzle extra virgin olive oil and serve warm.

A bowl with creamy hummus shawarma chicken and fluffy quinoa

A bowl filled with shawarma chicken, hummus, quinoa, and roasted peppers, topped with fresh cilantro, olives and lime for garnish.

Serving suggestions

Serve this chicken hummus bowl for a filling and wholesome lunch or dinner.
Make homemade whole wheat pita to pair with it, or serve pita chips on the side.
Prepare simple detox broccoli soup or healthy creamy potato soup with the hummus bowl. These are some nice combinations to make for the guests, family dinners, or party nights.
Prepare non-alcoholic drinks like refreshing mango lemonade or strawberry lime detox water to pair with it.

Assembled roasted shawarma chicken hummus bowl with quinoa and peppers, garnished with fresh herbs, olives and lime wedges.

Helpful tips

Use organic chicken whenever possible. If you use chicken breasts, do not follow the steps to broil the chicken after cooking. Breast cuts dry out easily and toughen at high temperatures.
To get the juicy, moist, and tender chicken, remove it from the heat as soon as the water in the pan evaporates. You may not get the roasted crust at this stage, but the chicken will be tender and moist.
Do not overcook bell peppers. Keep them slightly crunchy.
During summer, you can grill marinated chicken and bell peppers on the barbeque grill and enjoy a smokey taste in the dish.

Recipe variations

Make it into shwarma chicken and hummus salad -- skip making quinoa and add a generous amount of greens like arugula or mixed salad greens to prepare a hummus salad bowl. Drizzle some extra virgin oil on the greens.
Make it vegetarian - make roasted cauliflower or chickpeas using a shawarma spice blend and serve it instead of chicken. Or prepare falafel at home from scratch or using a store-bought mix and prepare a hummus falafel bowl.
Use different toppings - Some options to consider are feta cheese, grilled zucchini, sliced cucumber, tzatziki, babaganoush, harissa, etc.

FAQs

Can you make a hummus bowl ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare roasted chicken, bell peppers, and hummus ahead of time, and cook the quinoa fresh. Simply assemble and serve warm.
I prefer cooking quinoa fresh, which I recommend for a happy stomach and fresh taste. However, you can also make it ahead of time.

Can I skip the hummus?

Yes, you can skip the hummus and use either tzatziki, babaganoush, or this creamy avocado sauce, etc.

Can I use a different marinade to flavor the chicken?

Yes. You can make it with your choice of flavors.
For example, Indian spice blends used in this tandoori chicken or chicken tikka masala recipe will also work.

More Chicken Recipes You Will Love

More Wholesome Bowl Recipes

Shawarma chicken hummus bowl - a bowl filled with shawarma chicken, creamy hummus, fluffy quinoa, and roasted peppers, topped with fresh cilantro, olives and lime for garnish.

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

Leave a Comment

Make these nourishing turkey burrito bowls full of nutrients, lean protein, and fresh salad greens for a wholesome lunch or dinner. It is super easy to prepare.

Ground turkey, beans, greens and quinoa topped with fresh cucumber, avocado and salsa in a serving bowl to serve as a burrito bowl.

If you are a fan of Mexican flavors, then you will enjoy these homemade black bean quinoa turkey burrito bowls. It is way better than eating burritos/bowls at restaurants/chains because this recipe is freshly made with handpicked fresh ingredients.

To build the burrito bowl, use Mexican brown rice or quinoa, salad greens, and sauteed turkey with Mexican spices.

Let's get started!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What is unique about this dish

Wholesome, healthy burrito bowl for lunch or dinner
Quick and easy to prepare
Customize what to add to the bowl as per your liking.
Prepare most of the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
It is a perfect dish to make for the party.

Ingredients

Ground turkey in a small plate, seasonings in small bowl, tomato, garlic cloves, onion, oil and jalepano placed on a flat surface for making ground turkey burrito bowl.

Fresh arugula, black beans, cooked quinoa and salsa, cucumber and avocado placed on a flat surface for making ground turkey burrito bowl.

Ground turkey meat - buy organic meat whenever possible. Ground meat takes less cooking time, making it a perfect option for quick meals. For this recipe, you can also use boneless turkey thighs or breasts cut into bite-size pieces.
Seasonings - to flavor the turkey, use ground cumin, chipotle chili powder (or smoked paprika if you don't have it), salt, and pepper.
Cooked quinoa - to make the dish wholesome and filling, use cooked quinoa as a base. Or make this cilantro lime quinoa.
Avocado - it adds a nice creamy touch to the dish. Slice and use it, or make fresh guacamole.
Salsa - you can use homemade salsa (or make pica de gallo - a mixture of finely chopped onion, tomato, and cilantro). I prefer making fresh salsa or pica de gallo at home. However, you can use a store-bought one for a shortcut.
Greens - get organic salad greens whenever possible. I used fresh arugula as a base for this recipe.
Additional toppings - to make the dish even more interesting, add toppings like sliced cucumber, radish, crushed corn chips, etc.

Preparation tips

For cooking turkey

Peel and cut onion into quarters. Peel the garlic cloves. Cut tomato into quarters. Add everything to a small food processor jar and chop them finely (optionally, add jalapeno). Keep the mixture chunky. This mixture will be used to cook ground turkey.

Onion, tomato, jalapeno, pieces and garlic cloves in a food processor jar.

Chopped onion, tomato, garlic and jalapeno mixture in a food processor jar.

Do not have a food processor? Then, dice the onion and tomato into small pieces and finely chop the garlic cloves.

For burrito bowl assembly

Quinoa - cook quinoa in water or chicken broth on low heat for about 15 minutes. Follow this recipe to prepare cilantro lime quinoa.
Avocado - peel, slice, or finely dice, or smash it. Or prepare homemade fresh guacamole.
Salsa - make quick salsa at home.
Cucumber - cut the cucumber in half and then slice it.
Greens - wash the greens thoroughly and remove excess water. If you have a salad spinner, use it for this.

How to make turkey burrito bowls?

If you have prepared quinoa or rice and salsa ahead of time, making this burrito bowl will take very little time.

Step 1- Cooking ground turkey

Heat oil in a frying pan on medium-low heat. Add chopped onion, tomato, and garlic mixture and saute for a few minutes.

Chopped onion, tomato, garlic and jalapeno mixture in a hot pan.

Cooked onion, tomato, garlic and jalapeno mixture in a hot pan with wooden spatula.

Add ground turkey meat and all the seasonings; mix everything well. Simmer it for a few minutes or until the pink color disappears. Let it cool down slightly before using.

Ground turkey with spices placed on cooked onion-tomato mixture in a hot pan with wooden spatula.

Cooked ground turkey in pan with wooden spatula.

Step 2 - Assembling burrito bowl with toppings

Add arugula and cooked quinoa in a large bowl, followed by spiced ground turkey.

Now add black beans and sliced cucumbers. Finally, top it with avocado slices and salsa. Optionally drizzle some olive oil and garnish with fresh lime wedges, crushed tortilla chips, and a wholesome turkey burrito bowls are ready to enjoy.

Cooked quinoa, fresh arugula and cooked ground turkey arranged in a serving bowl.

Cooked quinoa, fresh arugula and cooked ground turkey, black beans and sliced cucumber arranged in a serving bowl.

Ground turkey, beans, greens and quinoa topped with fresh cucumber, avocado and salsa in a serving bowl to serve as a turkey burrito bowl.

Burrito bowl toppings

Here are some more topping options you can consider for this turkey bowl.

Roasted or sauteed bell peppers
Shredded cabbage
Sliced radishes
Mexican cheese blend
Sour cream

Personally, I prefer not to mix dairy and meat these days; therefore, I did not include any dairy products in this recipe. But feel free to add them as per your liking.

Serving suggestions

This burrito bowl is self-sufficient for a filling lunch/dinner.
Drinks - make any of these non-alcoholic drinks, such as pineapple mojito, strawberry detox water, or apple cider mimosa, to pair with it.
Make Air Fryer corn on the cob to serve on the side.
Wrap everything in large tortillas and make turkey burrito wraps.

Helpful tips

Cooking ground meat - after adding meat to the hot pan, break it into small pieces immediately. If it cooks in big pieces, breaking them into smaller pieces will be difficult. Also, reduce the heat to low before adding the ground meat and cook it on low heat or simmer. High temperatures will toughen the meat.
If you are cooking quinoa and turkey, just before serving, allow it to cool down before assembling the burrito bowl. Otherwise, salad greens and cucumber will wilt in hot temperatures.

Recipe variations

Make it Spicy - add sliced jalapenos as toppings or add more chipotle chili powder.
Add veggies - add roasted bell peppers to make this bowl more nutritious.
Grain-free salad bowl - skip quinoa, add more greens, and make a salad bowl.
Chicken bowl - use ground or diced boneless skinless chicken instead of turkey.
Rice bowl - use cooked brown or white rice instead of quinoa. Mexican brown rice or cilantro lime rice will work perfectly in this recipe.
Vegetarian bowl - use cooked chickpeas instead of meat and avoid using chicken stock or broth to make quinoa or rice.

Storage tips

Store leftover sauteed ground turkey, cooked quinoa, and other toppings separately. Cut cucumbers and avocado, and assemble the burrito bowl fresh just before serving next time. Turkey and quinoa can last 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use turkey/chicken cubes instead of ground meat?

Yes! You can use diced turkey or chicken instead of ground one. Follow the instructions above to prepare and ensure the meat is well done.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Cook quinoa and turkey ahead of time. Prepare fresh tomato salsa and store it in an air-tight container. Store it in the refrigerator if you want to use it the next day. Just before serving, prepare the salad base and avocadoes.

Don’t miss these Mexican-inspired meals

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

Leave a Comment

Prepare this healthy one-pot vegetable orzo soup for an easy, comforting meal to warm up on chilly days. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, and it is loaded with delicious flavors.

Pesto and vegetable orzo soup in large pot with a wooden laddle.

In our home, December to April is the season of soups because of the cold weather here in North-East America. As a recipe developer, the creativity inside of me makes me try a variety of soups at home during this time. Whether it is cheesy broccoli soup in Instant Pot or oven roasted tomato soup, or slow-cooked barley soup, you will find a variety of soups on the website. Here, you will learn to prepare quick and easy vegetable orzo soup with pesto.

Let's get started!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What is special about this dish

A warm bowl of this healthy orzo soup is perfect for a comforting meal.
Prepared with healthy and clean ingredients and loaded with fresh veggies.
It is quick and easy to prepare. Perfect one-pot soup recipe for busy days.
Add some mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and kids will love it.

Ingredients

Orzo - Use your choice of orzo. I use both whole wheat and regular semolina orzo, depending on availability at our grocery store.
Vegetables - diced bell peppers, carrots, and spinach are the fresh vegetables in this soup. Use different colored bell peppers to get a nice color in the soup and for added nutrition.
Beans - boost the protein content in the soup by adding white cannellini beans. It makes the soup filling. Or use your choice of beans, like pinto or kidney beans. Use precooked beans to make this soup. Sometimes, I soak and cook them in Instant Pot at home. When I don't have time, I use canned ones.
Onion - I used green spring onions in this soup. However, you can use an onion bulb instead, dice it finely, and then use it.
Garlic - I always prefer using fresh garlic in my recipes. Even a little bit of fresh garlic enhances the flavors of the soup.
Pesto - If it is freshly made at home, then it's even better. But I am guilty of this as I buy it from a store sometimes, especially during wintertime when fresh basil is not available in my garden.
Seasonings - Add black pepper and salt to season the dish. Always taste test and season the soup according to your liking.
Toppings - Before serving, sprinkle some parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley or basil, and green onion to garnish the bowl of soup.

See the recipe card for quantities and more details.

Preparation tips

Diced vegetables, sliced garlic, and smashed and whole cannellini beans are placed in different white bowls on a flat surface.

Dice bell pepper into ½" pieces
Peel, rinse and then dice carrots into ½" pieces.
Trim the ends of green spring onion and thinly slice it into small pieces. Save some green parts to garnish the soup before serving.
Roughly chop baby spinach leaves.
Peel and slice the garlic cloves. Or you can finely chop it or even mince it using a garlic press. I just try to save some effort here by slicing it.
Rinse and drain white beans if you are using canned ones. Divide the beans into two equal parts. Then, smash half of the beans using a potato masher or the bottom of a drinking glass. These smashed beans will help the soup to thicken and get a creamy texture.

How to make pesto vegetable orzo soup?

Step 1. Heat some cooking oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add garlic and cook it until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 2. Add spring onions, diced celery, carrot, and bell pepper and sauté for a couple of mins. Then add water and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Cooking vegetables with broth in a cast iron pot.

Step 3. Now add orzo, salt, and black pepper, mix, cover, and cook for 4 mins.

Cooking orzo soup in cast iron pan with lid on.

Step 4. Remove the lid, add chopped spinach and whole as well as smashed cannellini beans, mix, and cook for a couple more minutes.

Adding Smashed and whole cannellini beans to the veggie orzo soup in a cast iron pot.

Adding spinach to the veggie orzo soup in a cast iron pot.

Step 5. Turn off the heat, then add basil pesto and mix well to distribute it evenly. Cover and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh green onion and some parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Adding pesto to the veggie orzo soup in a cast iron pot.

Mixing pesto in the veggie orzo soup in a cast iron pot.

Serving suggestions

A large soup bowl of this veggie orzo soup is sufficient for a filling meal.
Serve warm soup with freshly baked whole wheat dinner rolls or homemade focaccia bread.
Pair it with healthy ground chicken nuggets, crispy potato fritters, or these chicken drumsticks in Instant Pot for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Or make simple and easy lentil salad or avocado cucumber salad to serve with the soup.

White beans, pesto, and vegetable orzo soup are served in a bowl with a metal spoon on a wooden riser and some parmesan cheese and pesto in mini dishes on the side.

Helpful tips

Add extra broth - add more broth to get the consistency of your liking. Also, when you make the orzo soup way before serving, the orzo keeps soaking up the broth. Therefore, add extra broth when reheating the soup before serving to get the desired consistency.
Taste test - at the end of cooking, taste the soup and add more seasonings and basil pesto if necessary.
Do not overcook - orzo can get mushy and lose its texture if you overcook it in the soup. Therefore, slightly undercook it in the soup. The hot liquid will keep it cooking further once you turn off the heat.
Add toppings - while serving, add toppings like parmesan cheese, crispy croutons, and some chili flakes to garnish the soup and make it look more appetizing.

Recipe variations

Use different types of pasta - you can use any small-sized pasta to prepare this soup instead of orzo. Adjust the cooking time as given on the package. Or follow this vegetable pasta soup recipe, where I used smaller pasta and made it with tomato.
Make it protein-rich - add leftover shredded chicken to the soup. Or cook boneless skinless chicken on the grill or the pan over the stovetop, cut it into bite-size pieces, and then add it to the soup towards the end of cooking orzo. Or make this lemon chicken orzo soup.
More veggies - make this soup more nutritious by adding one or more veggies like diced zucchini, yellow squash, green peas, eggplant, etc.
Choice of greens - use baby kale leaves instead of spinach or add both.
Choice of beans - You can replace the white beans with pinto or kidney beans.
Gluten-free soup - use gluten-free orzo or any other gluten-free pasta in this soup.
Vegan/vegetarian orzo soup - Make the soup with vegetable broth and avoid using parmesan cheese. Also, use vegan pesto to prepare the vegan version.

White beans, pesto, and veggie orzo soup are served in a bowl with a metal spoon on a wooden riser and some basil pesto in a mini dish on the side.

Make ahead instructions

Peel the garlic and dice carrot, bell peppers, celery, and green onions, and store them in an air-tight container for about 2-3 days. On the day of cooking, follow the instructions to prepare the vegetable orzo soup.

Storage tips

Store leftover soup in an air-tight container for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, add some chicken or vegetable stock, and just bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat, garnish, and serve warm.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook orzo?

See the cooking time given on the orzo package. Mine says it takes eight minutes to cook. I cook it for 6 mins. I then turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it further cook for a minute or so.

Is orzo rice or pasta?

Orzo is a kind of pasta that looks like rice grains. It is made up of semolina flour or wheat flour, just like regular pasta.

Can I use different pasta?

Yes, use smaller pasta sizes to make this soup. Pastas such as ditalini, patina, farfalline, etc., are perfect for this soup. I have used ditalini in this simple vegetable pasta soup recipe.

More healthy soups

More Italian-inspired recipes you will love

4 Comments

Pesto pasta with peas is an easy, delicious, quick, and healthy pasta dish you can prepare in about 20 mins. A perfect dish to use fresh spring peas from the garden (or frozen ones).

Making easy pasta dishes like garlic kale pasta, Mediterranean pasta, etc., during weekdays makes my life so easy. Healthy yet delicious, and a filling dinner or lunch, which is why I always go for them.

And my recent favorite is making pea pesto pasta. I even took it to a potluck gathering with our friends, and it was a huge hit. The kids really enjoyed it.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What is special about this dish

Super easy to prepare
You will need 20-25 mins to prepare
Toasted green peas make this pasta so tempting and hard to resist
Healthy yet tasty with loads of nutrients from green peas and pesto

Ingredients

Pasta - use your choice of pasta. I mostly use gluten-free pasta made from brown rice or quinoa, and occasionally the regular variety to make my pasta dishes.
Green Peas - either fresh or frozen peas will work in this recipe.
Pesto - use good quality pesto to flavor the pasta and peas. Make it at home whenever possible using fresh basil.
Tomato - This is optional. I add diced seeded tomatoes to get some color contrast in the green pasta dish.
Garlic - always use fresh garlic to get nice flavors in the recipe. Avoid using preserved garlic as it lacks flavors.
Oil - I always use olive oil for sauteing and grilling in my kitchen.

See the recipe card for quantities and more details.

Recipe variations

Here, I am listing some variations that you can try with the recipe.

Make it gluten-free - Use pasta prepared using gluten-free flour such as brown rice, quinoa, etc.
Add some red chili flakes to bring some heat to the pasta.
Use sundried tomatoes instead of fresh ones to get added deliciousness and color to the dish.
You can also add one or more veggies such as diced bell pepper, broccoli, zucchini, etc., to make the pasta more nutritious.
Add shrimp or chicken cut into bite-size pieces to make this dish rich in protein. Just cook them in some oil before roasting the peas. Keep them aside and add them to the pasta while mixing the pesto. Alternatively, you can add cooked chicken meatballs to the dish.
Sprinkle some parmesan cheese at the end, and your family will love every bit of it.

Kind of pasta to use

Any kind of pasta with any shape and size, such as penne, elbow, shell, or spaghetti, to name a few, will work in this pesto pasta and peas recipe. Make sure to cook the pasta to your liking as per the package instructions.

How to make healthy pasta with peas?

This pea pesto pasta recipe involves three main steps-- cooking the pasta, roasting the green peas with garlic, and mixing cooked pasta and peas with pesto sauce.

Step 1 - Cooking pasta

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add raw pasta and some salt. Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and keep it aside. Also, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining to use it later.

Cooked pasta drained in a stainless steel colander.

Step 2 - Preparing green peas

In a large pan, heat some cooking oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Then add the green peas and roast them for a few minutes.

Add diced tomato and seasonings like salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes; cook until the tomato softens.

Sautéing garlic in some oil in a large pan.

Sautéing green pean with garlic in a large pan.

Roasted green peas with fresh tomato, salt and pepper.

Step 3 - Adding back the cooked pasta

Add cooked pasta, basil pesto, and some pasta water. Mix well to coat the pesto on the pasta evenly.

Green peas, pasta and pesto ready to mix.

Pasta with peas and pesto in large pan with wooden spatula.

Chef's Secret - What makes this Peas Pasta delicious

The toasted taste of peas with garlic makes this pasta delicious. So, saute the green peas on medium heat until they develop a roasted color. These toasted peas are so tempting to eat that you can even serve them as a side dish.

Also, season your pasta dish generously with black pepper to add more flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions

Serve this bowl of pea pea pesto pasta for a light lunch/dinner.
You can pair it with chicken in tomato sauce or garlic tomato salmon or 15 min shrimp in tomato sauce for a wholesome meal.
Prepare detox broccoli soup with homemade focaccia or whole wheat dinner rolls to serve with this pasta dish. This will be a perfect menu for family gatherings or get-togethers.

Pesto and Peas pasta in a served in a dish with a metal fork.

Helpful tips

Cooking pasta - cooking times may vary for different pasta varieties having different sizes and shapes. Therefore, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Also, add some salt to the boiling water to flavor the pasta while cooking.
Reserve pasta water - After cooking the pasta, save some pasta water before draining it for later use. Add a few tablespoons of this water while mixing pesto in the pasta. This will help to coat the pesto evenly.
How to save time? - Prepare peas in a frying pan simultaneously while cooking pasta. This will save some time, and your dish will be ready in about 15 minutes or so. However, your dishwasher will not be happy as it will need to work on one more pan.
Do not overcook the pasta after adding the basil pesto. Basil tends to lose its flavor during prolonged heating on high heat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas?

Yes. You can use fresh peas in this recipe. And if these are from your garden, even better.

Can I make it ahead of time?

This pasta and peas with pesto taste better when it is fresh. However, leftovers still taste great, and you can store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Sprinkle some water and microwave the pasta before serving.
Also, you can prepare sauteed garlic peas ahead of time and cook the pasta fresh. In this case, you simply have to mix the peas and pasta with pesto before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?

I will recommend not freezing the cooked pasta dish. You will not get the same texture and taste upon thawing the pasta.

More pasta recipes you will love

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

6 Comments

Make moist and flavorful Instant Pot chicken drumsticks for a protein-rich lunch/dinner. You can prepare this chicken meal in less than 30 mins. These chicken drumsticks are coated with a delicious finger-licking sauce that is so tempting.

Chicken drumsticks in Instant Pot coated with lemon garlic sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.

Instant pot never fails in cooking bone-in-chicken and results in a moist and tender texture. Therefore, I love chicken dishes prepared in it. I even make whole chicken with delicious gravy in my Instant Pot.

Here I will share with you our favorite Instant Pot chicken legs recipe that I prepare using very few ingredients. Also, it takes far less time than cooking them on the stove or in the oven.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What is special about This Dish

You get super moist and tender, fall off the bone texture of the drumsticks
Quick and easy recipe with few and simple ingredients that will be ready in under 30 mins.
Full of flavors
Perfect for serving in gatherings.

Ingredients

Raw chicken drumsticks, garlic, lemon, oil, salt pepper laid on a flat surface for making Instant Pot chicken drumsticks.

Chicken drumsticks - I always prefer buying organic meat products. To get a nice roasted brown color on them, I do not remove the skin.
Lemon juice - this adds a slight tanginess to the dish.
Garlic - use freshly chopped garlic for amazing flavors. I feel processed garlic lacks flavor.
Salt and pepper - generously season the drumsticks with salt and pepper to make them flavorful.

Recipe Substitutions/variations

You can prepare these chicken drumsticks in Instant Pot with some variations or substitutions without compromising on the taste.

Skinless chicken - to cut down the fat content, remove the skin from the chicken legs before adding them to the Instant Pot.
Spicy - Add some slices of green jalapeno or paprika to add a little heat to the dish.
Herbs - add some chicken rub blend with your favorite spices for added flavors.
Chicken thighs - you can use bone-in-chicken thighs instead of chicken legs.

How to make Instant Pot chicken drumsticks?

This is a two-step process. Roasting chicken drumsticks on saute mode and then pressure cooking them.

Step 1 - Roasting chicken legs in Instant Pot

Clean and pat dry chicken drumsticks with a paper towel. Rub them evenly with salt and pepper.

Turn on Instant Pot in high saute mode. Let it preheat fully, and then place chicken drumsticks in a single layer and roast them for a few min on both sides to get brown color. You may need to roast them in batches if necessary.

Chicken drumsticks rubbed with salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Roasting chicken drumstick in Instant Pot.

Step 2 - Pressure cooking

Once the roasting is done, take the drumsticks out and keep them aside. Add some water and deglaze the pot by scraping to avoid burnt sign trigger. Add chopped garlic, lemon juice, and roasted drumsticks and gently mix them. Adjust the drumstick to form even layers or stacks.

Cover, turn off the Instant Pot, and then turn it back on to the manual pressure mode. Cook the drumsticks on manual high pressure for 10 mins. Let the steam release naturally for 5 min, and then open the vent to release the remaining steam.

Roasted chicken drumsticks in a large shallow bowl before pressure cooking.

Chicken drumsticks layered in Instant Pot for pressure cooking.

Setting cooking time for Instant Pot chicken legs on manual high pressure.

Step 3 - Thickening the sauce and giving final touch

Using tongs, carefully take out the cooked chicken drumsticks in a serving bowl or dish. Then turn on saute mode and let excess water evaporate from the drippings until you get a sauce-like consistency. Pour the sauce on chicken wings evenly to coat them. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices, and serve.

Chicken drumsticks in Instant Pot after pressure cooking.

Making sauce from drippings after cooking chicken drumsticks in Instant Pot.

Sauce made from drippings after cooking chicken drumsticks in Instant Pot.

Chicken drumsticks with lemon garlic sauce in a serving dish.

Cooking frozen chicken legs in Instant Pot

You can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in Instant Pot. There is no need to thaw them before cooking. However, you will need to skip the roasting step before pressure cooking. And, add 5 min extra time in high-pressure cooking.

For example, for fresh chicken drumsticks, it will take 10 mins. at high pressure; however, cook them for 15 mins. on high pressure, if using frozen.

How many drumsticks can I put in Instant Pot?

You can cook as many drumsticks in the Instant Pot that can fit below the maximum mark. So far, I've cooked 5-15 drumsticks in my 6 qt Instant Pot. There is no change in the pressure cooking time. Regardless of the quantity, pressure and cooking times are similar.

However, you may need to roast the chicken in several batches before pressure cooking, which will take some more time, depending on how many pieces you have.

Instant Pot chicken legs with lemon garlic sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.

Serving suggestions

You can serve these garlic lime chicken drumsticks with many dishes.

Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and serve them as appetizer or starter
For a wholesome meal, pair them with creamy pumpkin risotto or butternut squash quinoa risotto.
Prepare a salad such as avocado cucumber salad, sweet potato wild rice salad or veggie pasta salad to go with them.
Or, make this healthy kale pasta or Mediterranean pasta with artichokes and olives to pair with delicious chicken legs.

Helpful tips

Chicken drumsticks - Use organic chicken drumstick whenever possbile. You can remove the skin if you prefer and want to cut down on fat content.
Roasting in Instant Pot - Let the pot heat fully and wait until it shows the Hot sign before adding the chicken legs. This will help to roast them nicely.
Cooking time - High-pressure cook time will remain the same whether you cook 5 or 15 drumsticks at a time. However, the total roasting time will increase as you will have to roast them in several batches depending on the quantity.

FAQs

How to store leftovers?

Let the drumsticks cool down completely, and then store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for about two days. Use an air-tight container to avoid drying them.

How to reheat leftovers?

Drizzle some water and heat the drumsticks coated with sauce in a small frying pan over low heat. Make sure to cover the pan and heat them until steamy hot.
Or microwave for 1 minute, gently stir, and heat them for another 30 seconds.

Can you overcook chicken legs in an Instant Pot?

Surprisingly, chicken drumsticks do not become rubbery or chewy if you overcook them in Instant Pot for a long time, unlike cooking them on a stovetop or oven. Instead, they become super soft, and the meat can completely fall off the bone with the fibers separating out. Therefore, they need to be cooked optimally to get the best texture.

Instant Pot chicken drumsticks with lemon garlic sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.

More chicken recipes you will love

More recipes to try in Instant Pot

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

Print Pin

5 from 7 votes

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Make these easy juicy and flavorful Instant Pot chicken drumsticks for healthy and a protein-rich lunch/dinner. You can prepare them in under 30 mins. with simple ingredients. Also, prepare finger-licking sauce from the drippings, which make them so tempting.

Course: Lunch / Dinner

Cuisine: International

Diet Gluten Free,Low Fat

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings :

Calories :182kcal

Author:Swati Kadam Gulati

Would you like to save this recipe?

Email yourself a link to this post and come back to it later!

Equipment

▢
Instant Pot

Ingredients

▢ 10 chicken drumsticks
▢ 1 tablespoon cooking oil
▢ 2-3 garlic cloves chopped
▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice from ½ fresh lemon
▢ 2 tablespoon water
▢ Salt and pepper
▢ 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

Roasting chicken drumsticks

Turn on high saute mode and let the Instant Pot preheat till it shows the HOT sign.
Meanwhile, clean and pat dry chicken drumsticks to remove excess moisture as much as possible. Rub salt and pepper generously to coat them evenly.
Add oil and place chicken drumsticks in a single layer. Roast them for 3-5 min and turn and roast on the other side for 3 more mins.

Pressure cooking

Turn off the Instant Pot, add 2 tablespoon of water and deglaze the pot by scraping the button using a spatula or the tip of the tongs.
Add finely chopped garlic, lemon juice, and chicken drumsticks, mix and adjust them evenly into layers.
Turn back on Instant Pot on manual high pressure. Cover and cook the drumsticks for 10 mins. on normal high pressure.
Then allow the steam to release naturally for 5 mins. and release the remaining steam manually by turning the valve to the vent position.

Preparing sauce

Carefully take out chicken drumsticks in a large serving bowl. Evaporate excess water from the drippings in the pot on high saute mode until it gets to a sauce-like consistency.
Pour the sauce over cooked drumsticks.
Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

Notes

Preheating Instant Pot to HOT helps to roast the first batch of chicken drumsticks nicely. Otherwise, it will take a longer time to roast them.
I always roast 5-6 drumsticks at a time in my 6 qt Instant Pot. Therefore, for 10 drumsticks, I do this step in two batches.
Pat drying chicken drumsticks is important to remove excess water from the skin. This will help to get the roasted brownish color on the skin in less time.
Quantity - I have pressure cooked a batch of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 drumsticks this way in my Instant Pot. Adjust the seasonings accordingly, depending on the quantity.
Sauce - It will take 5-8 mins. or more to thicken the sauce on saute mode after pressure cooking. Again, it will depend on the number of drumsticks being cooked. Also, pour the sauce over the cooked drumsticks evenly and gently mix them to coat the sauce evenly. Make sure not to overmix. The Instant Pot drumsticks are super moist and tender, and the meat can easily break or fall off the bones.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Tag us on Instagram @watchwhatueat or tag #watchwhatueat! OR leave us a comment & rating below. Your feedback is very important to us.

1 Comment

This hearty and healthy roasted sweet potato wild rice salad is packed with superfoods and nutrients. Perfect for wholesome lunch or dinner.

Sweet potato wild rice salad in a serving bowl with serving fork. — Sweet potato wild rice salad

Do you often cook with sweet potatoes?

Honestly, I am not a big fan of sweet potatoes; however, I try to include them in our diet, given their health benefits. Therefore, I cook them in a way to enjoy my favorite flavors, such as this sweet potato chili, sweet potato gnocchi, etc.

And here I am sharing one more of our favorite dishes that feature roasted sweet potatoes with wild rice and kale salad. You can also include this as a side in the Thanksgiving or holiday party menu.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Ingredients needed

Wild rice blend - I use a blend of wild rice.
Sweet potato - peel and dice sweet potatoes into small pieces.
Kale - clean and chop it into small pieces.
Pecans - crush or chop them.
Green apple - preferably use organic green apple. Dice into small pieces.
Arugula - use fresh organic baby arugula leaves as a salad base.
Dressing - use a blend of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly chopped parsley to prepare the dressing.

Ingredients for wild rice salad with sweet potato and kale. — Ingredients for wild rice salad with sweet potato and kale

How to make healthy wild rice salad?

Cooking wild rice - cook rice as per instructions given on the package. I either use an Instant pot or cook it on the stovetop. Cooking wild rice on a stovetop takes about 40-45 min while you can cook it in 20 min in an Instant pot on high pressure. Allow it cool before adding it to the salad.

Preparing veggies - In a large frying pan, roast diced sweet potatoes for a few mins. Add chopped kale and cook it until it wilts down. Let the mixture cool.

Sweet potato and kale roasted in a cast iron pan. — Roasted sweet potato and kale

Preparing salad dressing - In a small mason jar or bowl combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and salt. Mix everything well.

Making the final salad - Add fresh arugula in a large salad mixing bowl. Then add cooked rice, roasted sweet potato, and kale. Also, add diced green apple, crushed pecans, and the dressing. Using salad spoons or tongs, mix everything gently.

wild rice salad with sweet potato, kale and arugula in a serving bowl with serving fork.

Serving suggestions!

A bowl of this salad is sufficient for a light lunch or dinner.
Pair this salad with cilantro lime chicken to make it more filling and protein-rich.
You can also prepare soups like healthy broccoli soup, lentil soup, or roasted tomato soup to serve on the side of wild rice salad.
This salad recipe is also perfect for including in your healthy holiday party menu along with roasted chicken with gravy, sauteed brussel sprouts, cranberry mimosa, almond chocolate truffles, etc.

Helpful tips!

You can cook the wild rice blend in an Instant pot to save some time on cooking. If you do not have an Instant pot, then cook it on the stovetop.
Dice sweet potato into even pieces as much as possible that will help them roast or cook evenly.
Allow cooked wild rice and sweet potato mixture to cool down completely before preparing the final salad. Otherwise, the salad greens will become mushy.

Recipe variations!

Greens - you can skip the arugula and use your choice of greens for the salad base. Or, skip using the salad greens and make a salad without it using other ingredients.
Non-vegetarian - add sliced chicken sausage while roasting the sweet potato to make the salad protein-rich and filling.
Rice - use brown rice instead of wild rice blend to make it into sweet potato brown rice salad.
Add dried cranberries to the salad for the pop of color and to make it elegant and perfect for the Thanksgiving dinner table.

FAQs

How to store leftover salad?

Store leftover salad in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. However, fresh greens in the salad will become soggy the next day.

Preferably make the salad enough to serve on the same day to enjoy while it is fresh. Or, you can save extra cooked wild rice and roasted sweet potato-kale mixture separately to prepare the fresh salad the next day.

More healthy salad recipes

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

5 Comments

Make these garlic herb garlic-herb pumpkin flatbread to enjoy the fall and pumpkin season. These are perfect for pairing with curries and soups or making wraps.

Pumpkin flatbreads in a serving dish are read to serve.

If you have made pita bread or naan bread before, then making these pumpkin flatbreads will be almost similar. And even if you don't have experience, this is not rocket science; you can still make them easily.

Next time instead of buying flatbreads from the store, try this healthy pumpkin flatbread recipe to make them at home. I am sure you will enjoy them fresh. And the beautiful golden yellow color from pumpkin puree automatically adds fall vibes to the flatbreads. You can also make them for fall gatherings or festive parties.

Let's get started.

Ingredients Needed!

Flour - these flatbreads are prepared using whole wheat flour.
Pumpkin puree - use either freshly made or canned pumpkin puree.
Warm water - use warm water that helps to activate the yeast faster.
Garlic and herb - use fresh, finely chopped rosemary and minced garlic to flavor the flatbreads.
Yeast - helps to make the flatbread soft and supple. Also, I find the dough is very easy to roll after proofing. And prefer using Instant yeast (or Rapidrise yeast) for quicker results.

ingredients for making whole wheat and pumpkin flatbread

The best flour to make healthy flatbreads

Usually, flatbreads are prepared using all-purpose flour. However, to make them healthy, I used whole wheat flour. And I always use the Indian version (aka atta) as it is superfine in texture compared to the whole wheat flour available in local grocery stores. You can easily find them in Indian grocery stores or some local grocery stores that carry Indian flours. If you don't find the Indian flour brands, use a 50-50 ratio of all-purpose and regular whole wheat flour in this recipe. This combination will also give a soft texture to the flatbreads.

How to make flatbread dough?

Hand-kneading the dough - Combine flour, minced garlic, finely chopped herbs, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix the dry flour with these added ingredients. Then add pumpkin puree and warm water. Using a wooden spatula, mix the flour and water until the dry flour becomes crumbly. Then using hands, knead the mixture for 6-8 minutes or until it forms into a soft, supple dough. You can also rub some oil on your hands to avoid sticking the dough to the hands. Cover the dough and let it rise for 15-20 min.

The collage image of the whole wheat pumpkin flatbread dough-making process.

Machine-kneading the dough - Add flour, garlic, herbs, yeast, salt, and pumpkin puree in a mixing bowl. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer. Gradually add warm water and knead the dough on low to medium settings (I have a KitchenAid stand mixer, and I always knead all kinds of dough on its NO-2 setting). Knead the dough for 5-6 min. Finally, drizzle some oil and knead for a few more seconds. Remove the mixing bowl from the machine, cover it, and let the dough rise for 15-20 min.

How to make pumpkin flatbread?

Once the dough has risen, you can start making flatbreads. Deflate and divide the dough into small equal portions. Give each portion a round shape and roll it to make a roughly ¼" thick round flatbread. Meanwhile, heat the cast iron pan on medium to high heat. Cook the prepared flatbread on a preheated pan on both sides until well done. Take out the cooked flatbread from the pan and then lightly brush it with olive oil on both sides. Finally, store them in a tortilla keeper lined with a kitchen paper towel.

The collage image show flatbread dough divided into small portions and rolled flatbread.

Serving Suggestions!

Serve these warm flatbreads with some dippings like this creamy avocado sauce, roasted red pepper hummus, tahini sauce, etc., for appetizers.
You can use pumpkin flatbread to prepare wraps, like these vegan chickpea wraps.
Make these flatbreads to pair with Indian curries like red lentil curry, coconut chickpea curry, chicken butter masala, etc.

Helpful Tips!

Preferably use Rapidrise yeast so that the dough is ready in less than 1 hr to prepare the flatbreads. Regular yeast needs to be activated first with warm water and some sugar before adding it to the flour. It will also take a bit longer for the dough to rise.
Use warm water for kneading the dough so that it will rise faster. Warm water helps the yeast to activate.
Use finely chopped herbs and finely minced garlic in making the flatbread dough. It will help to distribute the flavor evenly. And also, while rolling they won't come in your way.

Pumpkin flatbreads stacked in a serving dish are read to serve.

Recipe Variations!

Make these flatbreads using all-purpose flour. However, you may need to use less water than mentioned in the recipe, as the whole wheat version absorbs more water.
Feel free to use herbs of your choice in making these flatbreads. Fresh parsley or cilantro, or oregano will also work in the recipe.
If you are not a garlic fan, then you can skip it completely.
You can also make these flatbreads using sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin puree.

FAQs

How to store and reuse the leftover flatbread dough?

Store the leftover dough in an airtight storage container. Make sure the container is big enough and has space for the dough to rise while it is covered. Store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Before using the dough again, please bring it to room temperature naturally and then make the flatbreads.

How to store the leftover garlic herb pumpkin flatbread?

Place leftover pumpkin flatbreads in an air-tight container and store them in the refrigerator. Before serving, warm them in a hot pan or microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Personally, I prefer storing leftover dough and then making fresh flatbreads the next day. This way we get fresh soft flatbreads to eat.

📖 Recipe

1 Comment

In less than 30 min, you can prepare this healthy Italian lentil salad for a protein-rich lunch or dinner. A quick recipe that you can try any time when you need a protein boost.

Prepared whole lentil salad in a serving dish with a serving spoon. — Healthy Lentil Salad

Ingredients you will need

Raw lentils - I use raw whole brown lentils for making this salad
Liquid for cooking - preferably use chicken stock or vegetable stock for more flavors
Seasonings - use Italian herb mix, salt, and pepper
cucumber - dice it into small pieces. Use organic cucumber whenever possible.
Roma tomato - remove pulp and then dice into small pieces
Fresh herbs - chopped fresh basil and parsley for added flavor
Dressing - make a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice

Raw lentils in a metal container with fresh parsley and tomato on the side.

Ingredients gathered for making lentil salad that includes raw lentils, fresh parsley, tomato, oil, lime, cucumber, and seasonings.

How to cook lentils for making lentil salad?

In a large saucepan, add lentils and double the amount of liquid. Bring this mixture to a boil, and then add Italian herb mix, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover the pan and cook the mixture on low heat for 15-18 min. Turn off the heat and let the lentils cool down completely before making the salad. You can use water or chicken, or vegetable stock for cooking the lentils.

Cooked lentils in a pot with a serving spoon

How to make an Italian lentil salad?

In a large salad bowl, add the cooked lentils. Then add diced tomato, cucumber, and freshly chopped herbs. In the end, add the mixture of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Gently mix everything well. Your lentil salad is ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

A big bowl of this salad is sufficient for a protein-filled meal.
Prepare this lentil salad to pair with simple pesto pasta with kale or quinoa risotto or zucchini flatbread for a complete wholesome meal.

Healthy Italian lentil salad in a serving dish ready to serve.

Helpful Tips!

Use whole lentils for making this lentil salad. Also, do not overcook the lentils; otherwise, they will become mushy. The mushy lentils won't be suitable for the salad.
Preferably use chicken stock or vegetable stock instead of water to cook the lentils. They will enhance the flavor of the lentils and make them more delicious.

Recipe variations

For meat lovers - add cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken into the salad for making it more filling.
You can also add small cubes of feta cheese into the salad for added deliciousness.
Skip adding cucumber and tomato in this lentil salad recipe and serve it as a humble lentil dish.

FAQs

How to store leftover lentil salad?

Store leftover lentils in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. We always avoid storing leftovers for more than a day, even though they will last longer.

How to use leftover lentil salad?

Remove leftovers from the refrigerator well in advance before eating. This way, the salad will come to room temperature. Avoid heating the salad as it has cucumber and tomato that can become soggy upon heating. You can also serve it cold if you prefer that way.

More lentil recipes you will love to try

📖 Recipe

5 Comments

Make flavorful and healthy Instant Pot chicken biryani at home using this simple and easy-to-follow recipe. A perfect rice dish for people who are busy and want to enjoy authentic Indian chicken biryani at home.

Indian chicken biryani in a serving dish. Garnished with fresh green chili and a lemon slice.

If you love eating biryani and cook it at home, this Instant Pot chicken biryani is the perfect dish you can try easily. It has all the authentic Indian flavors. Moreover, this recipe is not complicated, and beginner cooks can also make it at home without much effort.

Do not have an Instant Pot? No worries, I also have recipes for easy chicken biryani and vegetable biryani that you can make in one pot on a regular stovetop.

What is Biryani?

Biryani is an aromatic and flavorful rice dish prepared using exotic Indian spices, fresh herbs, meat, and long grain basmati rice.

Traditionally biryani is an involved recipe. It's a two-step process, 1. prepare the chicken marinade and cook it partially 2. cook the rice partially with whole spices. Finally, in a large pot, layer these partially cooked chicken and rice; seal the pot and cook it on low heat to develop the flavors.

This is the best and perfect way to get the most of the flavors in the biryani. However, for novice cooks as well busy people making this dish at home is overwhelming. Moreover, it is essential to cook the rice and chicken at each stage so perfectly that the end dish does not end up raw or overcooked.

Therefore, Instant Pot Biryani is much more simplified, yet it has all the flavors as in the classic recipe. So, this quick and easy biryani recipe is for those who do not have enough time to make it the classic way, yet they want to enjoy all its flavors whenever you crave biryani.

Authentic Indian chicken biryani prepared in an Instant Pot.

What you will need

Rice - use long grain aromatic basmati rice.
Chicken - boneless skinless chicken thighs that cut into bite-size pieces.
Yogurt - for making marination base
Garlic and ginger - use finely chopped ginger and garlic and make it into a paste.
Onions - cut into half and then slice them. You can also use deep-fried or air-fried onions. Caramelized onions are one of the key ingredients that give a unique flavor to the biryani.
Fresh herbs - use a generous amount of fresh mint and cilantro into the marinade and then garnish the dish.
Spices - use biryani masala, chili powder to marinate the chicken, and whole spices like black cumin seeds (aka shah jeera), cloves, cinnamon stick, black pepper, green cardamom to flavor the rice.
Oil/Ghee - I prefer using ghee (clarified butter).

Basmati rice soaked in water with whole spices.

chicken pieces marinated with Indian spices in a large mixing bowl

How to make Instant Pot Chicken Biryani?

Preparing rice

Soak the rice in warm water for at least 15 min. Also, add whole spices like green cardamom, clove, and cinnamon stick to the mixture. These spices will infuse and add flavor to the rice.

Preparing chicken marinade

Firstly, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Then, in a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt with ginger, garlic, biryani masala, fresh herbs, chili powder, and salt. Finally, in a large mixing bowl, mix this marinade with the chicken.

Cooking chicken biryani in Instant Pot

On high sauté mode, cook sliced onion in some ghee until it turns dark golden brown or develops caramelized flavors. Add marinated chicken and cook for about 10 min. Now add soaked rice along with the water and whole spices. Spread it gently and evenly. There is no need to mix it completely with the chicken. Add a few strands of saffron (optional), more fresh herbs, and chopped tomato. Cover the pot and cook the mixture on manual LOW-PRESSURE mode for 5 min. Then release the pressure manually and keep the biryani covered for 20 min to develop the flavors. Serve warm.

Helpful Tips!

Chicken - Use organic and pasture-raised chicken whenever possible. For this recipe, I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken thighs that I cut into bite-size pieces.
Soaking rice - Soaking the rice in water with spices helps to infuse its flavors and make it more flavorful.
Onion - You can also use air-fried onion and skip the step of cooking or caramelizing onion.
Pressure release - Once the cooking timer is off, immediately release the pressure manually. Do not open the lid and let the biryani sit in IP for 20-25 mins. It will help the dish to develop the flavors without overcooking.

What to serve with chicken biryani?

Usually, chicken biryani is served with raita, which is prepared using yogurt, roasted ground cumin, and some water.
For the Indian banquet, you can prepare this chicken biryani along with naan bread and curries like chickpea tikka masala or palak paneer. You can also include mango lemonade or homemade mango lassi to complement the menu.

Recipe variations

If you want to make biryani without any meat, try this similar recipe for Instant Pot veg biryani. A perfect option for a vegetarian/vegan diet.

Authentic chicken biryani in a serving dish. Garnished with fresh green chili and a lemon slice.

FAQs

Is it necessary to soak the rice?

The answer is Yes.

Soaked rice cooks evenly and gives a nice appearance to the final dish. Also, Instant Pot takes very little time to cook the rice, which is not sufficient to absorb the flavors from the spices. Therefore soaking rice in water and some whole spices allows the rice to infuse the flavors.

Which rice is best for biryani?

Long grain aromatic basmati rice is the preferred choice for making biryani. Upon cooking, aromatic long grain rice gives a beautiful look and flavor to the biryani.

How to use leftover chicken biryani?

Sprinkle some water over the leftover biryani, cover, and microwave for 2-3 min a microwave-safe bowl.

MORE RECIPES TO TRY IN INSTANT POT

📖 Recipe

Leave a Comment

This warm bowl of sweet potato lentil chili is a flavor burst and is loaded with all the goodness from fresh ingredients. Perfect comfort chili for whenever you crave one.

Sweet potato lentil chili prepared in a large pot and is ready to serve.

I guess I was unconsciously in the mood to eat lentils and sweet potatoes in different forms in the past few weeks. That is probably the reason I prepared sweet potato chickpea burger patties, Italian lentil salad, lentil brown rice, etc., along with this sweet potato chili to publish them here. And that's how we started our new year, eating these protein-packed healthy meals.

If you are looking for a super easy and quick recipe for a protein-rich meal, then you will love this wholesome chili.

Let's get started.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Sweet potato lentil chili in a serving soup bowl. Garnished with tortilla chips and lime wedges.

Ingredients

Sweet potato - peel and dice it into cubes
Raw lentils - use whole lentils for more fibers
Bell pepper - add your choice of color or a blend of different colors
Beans - either cooked black beans or pinto beans will work
Onion - peel, and dice it finely
Tomato - I always prefer using freshly diced tomatoes. However, you can also use canned ones.
Garlic - finely chopped garlic to add flavor to the dish
Seasonings - use oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chipotle chili in adobo sauce, and salt to bring out the flavor in the dish
Oil - I always use cooking olive oil or avocado oil in my kitchen.

Cutting sweet potato

Peel and then rinse the sweet potato before cutting it. Using a sharp knife, dice it into roughly ½" cubes. The reason for keeping them a little bigger in size is to keep their shape intact after cooking the raw whole lentils. Dicing sweet potatoes smaller can make them overcook and blend/disappear in the final chili.

How to make Sweet Potato Lentil Chili

Heat some oil in a large pot. Cook some chopped garlic and diced onion for a couple of mins.
Then add chopped tomato, diced sweet potato, red pepper, raw lentils, chipotle chili in adobo sauce, and the spice blend. Mix everything well and sauté the mixture for a few mins.
Now add black beans and a blend of water and chicken stock (or vegetable stock). Mix well, and bring the mixture to boil.
Cover and cook the chili on low heat until the lentils are nice and tender.
While serving, garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and serve warm.

Serving suggestions

While serving, add toppings like fresh salsa, Mexican cheese blend, fresh cilantro, a lime wedge, etc. For a wholesome meal, serve this bowl of chili with some tortilla chips and fresh guacamole on the side.

For the Mexican banquet, add this lentil chili to the menu and Mexican tomato rice, cilantro lime chicken, delicious corn on the cob, and pineapple mojito or raspberry mojito.

Helpful Tips!

Preferably use whole lentils in making this chili. Split lentils may become mushier and disappear in the final dish after cooking.
Always peel the sweet potato before using it in the cooking if it is not organic. The concentration of pesticides is usually high in the fruits or veggies outer layers, and peeling the skin can reduce that amount.

FAQs

How to use leftover lentil chili?

The next day you may find lentil chili will be thick and has lost its consistency. Therefore, before serving, add some veggie stock or water and heat the mixture in the microwave for 2-3 min or boil it on the cooktop to bring back its thick soup-like consistency.

More Mexican flavors you will love

Leave a Comment

Learn to prepare Indian healthy butter chicken meatballs using all the authentic spices and flavors. Moreover, it is healthy without any added cream and tons of butter.

Butter chicken meatballs in a cast iron skillet — Healthy Butter Chicken Meatballs

A few years back, my father-in-law shared with me his restaurant-style recipe to prepare butter chicken at home. And guess what, my in-laws are Punjabi.

The reason I am mentioning this is... Punjab is the state/province in India where butter chicken, palak paneer curry, chicken tikka masala, etc., are staple dishes.

Here I am sharing a butter chicken recipe originally adapted from my family's version with some twist.

Why is it adapted??

Because I am swapping dairy cream and butter with some healthy alternatives that I will explain below. And of course, these swaps are approved by my father-in-law, who used to manage a restaurant for quite a few years as part of his business.

Let's get started!

ingredients for making chicken butter masala

Ingredients you will need

Chicken - ground chicken for making meatballs
Marinade - for adding flavors to the ground chicken, use ginger, garlic, garam masala, chili powder, lemon juice, and onion
Masala sauce - for making the gravy base gather fresh tomatoes, small onion, garlic, and ginger
Creamy base - I use raw cashews, sesame seeds, and a few coconut flakes to get the dairy-free cream base.
Garnishing - use finely chopped fresh cilantro. Or, optionally use Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaf) if you have.
Oil/ghee - either ghee or cooking oil to cook the meatballs and the masala (tomato base)

How to make Indian healthy butter chicken meatballs

Making chicken meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with finely chopped ginger, garlic, and onion. Then add garam masala, chili powder, and some lemon juice. Mix everything well.

Use a tablespoon or a metal cookie scoop to divide the ground marinated chicken mixture into equal parts. Put these small portions of the meat mixture on a large plate ensuring they don't touch each other. Spray some oil over the divided meat or rub it on your palms. Now turn each portion into round shapes to form meatballs. This will make your job less messy.

Collage image of preparing ground chicken meatballs

Cook these chicken meatballs in a large frying pan using little oil. Take them out and keep them aside. See the helpful tips section below for more details.

collage image of cooking meatballs in a cast iron pan

Preparing Butter Chicken Masala base

In the same pan with leftover oil, add ginger pieces, garlic cloves, roughly chopped onion, and sauté until translucent. Then add tomato pieces, raw cashew, sesame seeds, and shredded coconut and cook until the tomato softens. Turn off the heat, let the mixture cool down slightly and blend it in a blender with some water to ensure a smooth consistency.

collage image of cooking onion and tomato in a cast iron pan

Now heat some ghee or oil in a pan and add the pureed tomato mixture. Add more water if necessary to get the desired consistency. Bring the mixture to boil and season with some garam masala and salt to taste.

Add cooked meatballs, cover the pan and turn off the heat. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm.

butter chicken masala in a cast iron skillet

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs masala with steamed plain white rice or garlic naan bread or both for a filling meal.
For a healthy Indian banquet, add this butter chicken to the menu along with whole wheat naan bread, palak paneer curry, tandoori chicken wings, tofu tikka, vegetable biryani, etc. You can also include low-fat mango lassi or mango lemonade for drinks on the menu.

Butter chicken meatballs in a serving dish with naan bread, plain rice, lime wedge and green chili on the side.

Helpful Tips!

Buy organic ground chicken whenever possible.
Cook meatballs on medium heat and do not cook them for a longer time. Overcooking and high heat can make the meatballs tough in texture.
If you have enough time, allow the meat and spice mixture to marinate for at least 20-30 min.

Recipe Variations

Skip making the butter masala sauce and serve these perfectly cooked meatballs as an appetizer with some green mint chutney on the side. Just make sure the meatballs are fully cooked.

You can replace ground chicken in this recipe with cubes of firm tofu or paneer and turn this dish into a vegetarian butter masala.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or chicken breast in this recipe?

You can use boneless and skinless chicken thigh or breast in this recipe. Cut them into bite-size pieces, follow the same instructions, and use the same ingredients to marinate the chicken. Sear the marinated chicken until well done before adding to the butter masala sauce.

Is this butter chicken healthy?

This butter chicken meatballs recipe does not contain any added butter, heavy cream, or whole fat yogurt. It does contain a little amount of ghee (clarified butter). Eating good quality ghee in limited quantities is advisable. Ghee falls into the category of healthy fat if consumed moderately. However, you can avoid using ghee, and it won't affect the final dish's deliciousness.

butter chicken vs chicken tikka masala

This question does cross most people's minds. Even Indians can get confused about these two dishes. Both dishes use similar ingredients; however, the slight and subtle difference lies in its sauce or the gravy base.

Chicken tikka masala: this dish is rich in flavors from spices. Usually, in this recipe, marinated chicken is roasted in a tandoor or clay oven and then added into the tomato-based gravy. Surprisingly tikka masala has a British origin.

Butter chicken: this dish is more creamy, buttery, and mild in taste than tikka masala. Often marinated chicken is simply pan-roasted before adding into the creamy tomato sauce. Butter chicken originated in the capital of India, which is Delhi.

MORE INDIAN DISHES YOU WIll ENJOY

📖 Recipe

1 Comment

This post is sponsored by Barilla, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Super easy and quick healthy Mediterranean pasta with artichokes and olives prepared using awesome flavors and nutritious ingredients. You can prepare this dish in about 20 mins or so using Chickpea Rotini pasta from Barilla. Perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.

Healthy Mediterranean pasta with artichokes and olives in a large skillet with a wooden spatula. — Healthy Mediterranean Pasta

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why Do I use Barilla Chickpea Pasta?

In this recipe, I am using Barilla chickpea rotini. It is prepared using only one ingredient which is just chickpeas. This means it is...

naturally gluten-free
a good source of plant-based protein
an excellent source of fiber and
there is no added sodium or cholesterol
also non-GMO

chickpea barilla rotini pasta in its package

chickpea rotini pasta in a glass jar and in its package

I was really surprised to see that there is nothing else added to it, no chemicals, no preservatives, and not even an egg. Which is why I am loving this brand over others for legume pasta. As you guys must be aware, I support only those brands that use clean ingredients.

From my own experience, I find the texture of this chickpea rotini better than other healthy pasta options available in the market. Moreover, the taste of this pasta is so perfect that you won't miss the semolina (classic pasta flour) in it.

After reading all of this, if you are interested in trying out Barilla Chickpea Rotini, you can purchase here at Target! They also have a red lentil variety, also made with only ONE ingredient!

Pasta with artichoke and olives on a serving plate with a spoon.

Whenever I want to prepare quick dishes for busy times, pasta recipes (like pasta salad) come to the rescue. You can cook pasta on one burner and simultaneously prepare the sauce or veggies on the other to add to the dish. And your meal will be ready in no time.

Here I am sharing with you a quick and easy healthy pasta with artichokes and olives. It is full of Mediterranean flavors. Let's get started!

What you will need?

Pasta - for this recipe I am using gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas! I bought this Barilla Chickpea Pasta (rotini) at a Target store (you can get it here). I feel except for super long types such as spaghetti, fettucini, etc., any pasta shape will work for this dish.
Zucchini - fresh zucchini to add more nutrition.
Tomato - use cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
Artichoke hearts - I got it from the Mediterranean bar in our local grocery store. You can also use canned ones or cook them freshly at home.
Olives - use your favorite olives. I used a blend of green and kalamata olives.
Garlic - fresh garlic to add flavor to the pasta.
Oil - use some cooking oil to cook the veggies and additional extra virgin olive oil to drizzle over the final dish.
Seasonings - use salt and black pepper according to your preference.

fresh ingredients and rotini pasta for making pasta with artichokes and olives

How to make healthy Mediterranean pasta with artichokes and olives?

Bring water to boil in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Then add pasta to the boiling water and cook as per package instructions. The chickpea rotini that I am using takes about 7 mins. to cook. Turn off the heat, drain the water and rinse the pasta with cold water to avoid overcooking.

Rotini pasta while pouring in a large stainless steel pot.

rotini in boiling water in a large stainless steel pot.

While the pasta is being cooked, heat some cooking oil in a large skillet. Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Add diced zucchini, tomato, and cook until they are nice and tender. Then add cooked pasta, artichoke hearts, olives, fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine well. Turn off the heat and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the pasta. Garnish with some more fresh basil, raw tomato pieces, and serve warm.

Healthy Mediterranean pasta with artichokes and olives while mixing in a large skillet with a wooden spatula.

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of this healthy Mediterranean pasta with artichoke and olives is perfect for a light meal.
You can pair it with healthy salads like cucumber and avocado salad.
Serve it on the side of warm healthy soups like creamy tomato soup, broccoli soup, or cauliflower soup etc.
For a wholesome meal add this pasta dish into the menu along with homemade dinner rolls or whole wheat focaccia bread, healthy eggplant parmesan, and one of the healthy soups mentioned above. You can also turn this into a healthy party menu easily.

Helpful Tips!

Flavorful pasta - Add salt generously to the boiling water for cooking the pasta. Taste the water and see if it is a bit strong in salt. This way the pasta will absorb enough salt that you would prefer to have in your final dish.
Do not add basil leaves and extra virgin olive oil while cooking the veggies. The heat will reduce its flavors. Add them once the cooking is over and the heat is turned off.

Recipe variations!

Meat - Meat lovers can add cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken to make this pasta more filling and rich in protein.
Vegetables - use more veggies like broccoli florets, a variety of bell peppers, and onion to add more colors and nutrition to the dish.
Cheese - you can also add grated parmesan or some feta cheese in the end for more flavors.

Healthy Mediterranean Pasta with artichoke, olives, and tomato in a large skillet — Mediterranean Pasta With Artichokes and Olives

FAQs

How to cook perfect pasta all the time?

Use at least 3-4 times the water to cook the pasta. Add enough salt to the water and taste test. It should be a little on the higher side of salt. This way the pasta will absorb enough of it for your liking. Add pasta once the water comes to a boil and not before that. Cook for the time mentioned on the package. Once the timer is off, drain the water and rinse it with cold water to avoid overcooking. If your sauce or veggies are already prepared, then there is no need to rinse the pasta. You can immediately add them to the veggies/sauce.

How to store and reuse leftover pasta?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I prefer to use it within 1-2 days. Before serving again, sprinkle some water over the pasta and then microwave for 1 min. Mix gently and continue heating for another 1 min (or more depending on the quantity). Serve while it is warm.

More Pasta Recipes

📖 Recipe

Leave a Comment

Healthy lemon chicken soup with orzo is a delicious combination of flavors from fresh lemon juice, homemade chicken broth, and Italian seasonings. Our all-time favorite soup for chilly winter nights!

Healthy lemon chicken soup with orzo in a serving bowl with some croutons on the side. — Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

How often do you make soup at home?

When nights are cold I really crave a warm bowl of soup with some crusty bread like homemade focaccia. It is so satisfying and truly gives a feeling of warmth.

Here, I am going to share with you a lemon orzo chicken soup recipe that you can prepare at home from scratch. I mean even the homemade chicken broth for the soup base. This recipe is so simple and easy to prepare. You will need just a little extra time to cook the chicken, that's all.

Let's get started!

Image of different ingredients needed for making chicken orzo soup

Ingredients you will need!

Chicken - For this recipe, I am using chicken drumsticks. Remove skins and then use them to prepare the soup base.
Orzo - this small-sized pasta works great for making soups.
Garlic - it adds nice flavors and aroma to the soup. Peel and simply smash it. No need to finely chop.
Onion - half of it is needed to prepare the soup base or chicken broth and the remaining half would go into the soup.
Celery - trim off the ends and dice into small pieces.
Carrot - peel, and dice into small pieces
Oil - I always use olive oil that one can use for sauteing and grilling
Seasonings - for the flavors use Italian seasonings, black pepper, and salt.

How to cut and prepare veggies?

For making the chicken broth or the soup base you can peel and smash the whole garlic cloves, cut the onion into larger pieces. This will save you some time during prep.

For the actual soup, peel and dice carrot, celery, and bell pepper into small and even pieces. These multi-colored veggies will also give a nice look to the dish, apart from their nutrients.

image of chicken drumsticks in a bowl and diced onion and garlic in in a plate

image of diced vegetables in plate for making lemon orzo chicken soup

Homemade chicken broth for the lemon orzo soup

Making quick homemade chicken broth or stock will add an amazing flavor to the soup. It is way better than using bullion or packaged chicken broth. For making this soup base you only need a few mins of prep time however, the cooking time would be a bit longer.

It's not at all necessary to make this chicken broth at home-I do it because I love the fresh flavors. You can use store-bought broth or bullion to flavor the soup if you so prefer.

chicken drumstick broth prepared in a large pot

How long to cook orzo in a soup?

Cooking pasta in soups can easily overcook them as it is going to remain in the hot soup base even after the cooking is over.

Therefore, always cook the orzo or other small-sized pasta about halfway in the soup. Then turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove. The hot liquid base will continue to cook the pasta. This way you will get the perfect texture of the orzo without overcooking them.

How to make Healthy Lemon Chicken Soup With Orzo

In a medium to large dutch oven or soup pot cook diced onion, carrot, celery, and pepper for 3-4 mins. Take them out and keep aside.
In the same pot add a little more oil, smashed garlic cloves, and chunks of remaining onion and saute until translucent.
Now add the chicken and cook for 3-4 min to get a light brown crust. Then add water, bring the mixture to a boil, and season with salt & pepper. Cook the mixture covered on low heat to get the chicken broth for the soup.
Using a small strainer or wire skimmer take out the chicken and onion pieces leaving behind the clear broth.
Now in the boiling broth add raw orzo, sauteed carrot-celery mixture, Italian seasoning, and cook the mixture for a few mins. Here, the pasta cooking time would depend on the package instructions. Cook the pasta in the soup for about half the time mentioned on its package.
While orzo is being cooked separate the chicken from its bone and then shred using a couple of forks. Then add this shredded chicken back to the soup. Adjust salt, if necessary.
Once the cooking time is over, remove the soup pot from the heat.
Add lemon juice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. And the soup is ready to enjoy.

image of sautéed vegetables in a plate for making lemon orzo chicken soup

Serving suggestions!

A warm bowl of chicken soup with orzo is itself perfect for a light meal.
Serve homemade dinner rolls or whole wheat focaccia bread or crusty bread on the side of it for a filling dinner
Make a simple healthy salad with avocado and cucumber or your favorite green salad to go with the soup.

Helpful Tips!

Chicken - here in this recipe I used chicken drumsticks to prepare the soup base. However, you can also use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs. I would suggest removing the skin to lower the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol. Also, boneless chicken thigh may take slightly less time to cook compared to chicken drumsticks.
Orzo - you can also use whole wheat-based orzo to make the dish wholesome.

Recipe variations!

Variety of pasta - use small-sized pasta in place of orzo. Soup shells, ditalini, mini elbow pasta, etc. are perfect for making lemon chicken soup.

Veggies - add diced bell peppers, greens like spinach or kale, broccoli florets into the soup for making it more colorful and nutritious.

If you want to make a meatless version then try this nutritious Veggie Pasta Soup with Italian flavors.

lemon chicken orzo soup in a serving bowl with some croutons on the side.

FAQs

How to reheat leftover lemon chicken orzo soup?

Simply bring the leftover soup to boil. Add water and adjust seasonings if necessary. Turn off the heat and serve while it is warm. Do not keep it on the heat or boil it for a longer time. It will overcook the orzo and toughen the meat.

More chicken favorites

📖 Recipe

Leave a Comment

Make this healthy zucchini flatbread to up your veggies in the diet. It is wholesome, nutritious, and prepared using whole wheat flour and fresh zucchinis.

image of baked zucchini flatbread in the baking tray.

Zucchini is in season now and I am motivated to make it as part of our diet these days. Yes, it's one of my most favorite veggies. I even ended up planting them in my super small balcony. While seeing them grow from the seedlings I published this zucchini pancakes a few weeks back.

Ingredients you will need!

Dough - I prepare homemade whole wheat flour dough for this healthy flatbread recipe
Fresh zucchini - cut them in thin slices or long ribbons
More fresh produce - use scallions, sliced tomatoes for additional toppings
Garlic and Herbs - use chopped garlic and fresh rosemary to add flavors
Mozzarella cheese - top with fresh mozzarella cheese for extra deliciousness
Olive oil - I prefer using extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on the flatbreads

image of ingredients for making flatbread. It includes fresh zucchini, scallions, cheese, tomato, whole garlic, oil, rosemary, salt etc.

How to cut zucchini for flatbreads?

Particularly, for making this kind of flatbread cut the zucchini into thin slices or thin ribbons. Make sure to clean the zucchini thoroughly before cutting.

Cutting into slices: For even cooking cut the zucchini into thin slices and as even as possible. You can use a sharp knife for this job. Or, use a mandoline slicer for a quicker and even results.

Cutting into ribbons: Trim off the ends of the zucchini and cut it in half. Then just use a regular peeler or mandoline to get thin and even ribbons from half the zucchini. Some mandolin slicers also come with a ribbon attachment. I prefer cutting zucchini in half for making ribbons. This helps to manage them easily compared to superlong ribbons.

Collage image of fresh Zucchini cut into slices and ribbons using mandolin slicer. Then spread it on the baking tray.

How to make dough for flatbread?

Usually, dough for making flatbread does not require proofing, and in some recipes, they don't even use yeast. As you can see, there are a number of ways one can prepare the dough for making flatbreads. I prefer using little yeast in my flatbread dough.

Combine whole wheat flour, salt to taste, some yeast, little sugar to activate the yeast and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Knead it into a soft supple dough. Use a stand mixer if you have one for a mess-free and quick kneading job. There is no need to let the dough rise and you can use it immediately.

Sometimes, I simply use my homemade pizza dough for making flatbreads. You can't go wrong using the pizza dough as it gives an excellent texture and taste upon baking. Who won't love the texture of a pizza base?

How to make healthy zucchini flatbread?

This recipe makes two 10x15" size or one large 12x17" flatbreads.

Spread the flatbread or pizza dough in two baking trays evenly. Then add sliced zucchinis or ribbons in a single layer. For additional toppings and pop of color add some sliced tomatoes and scallions. For the flavors sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary and chopped garlic. Then drizzle some olive oil on the top.

gif while building flatbread toppings on whole wheat dough base

Bake the flatbreads in a preheated oven (400F) for about 15 min. Then add some fresh mozzarella cheese and continue baking for another 3-5 min or until the cheese melts down and is bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the flatbread into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers. You can also serve chili garlic olive oil for the dipping on the side.
For a wholesome meal, pair this healthy zucchini flatbread with warm soups like lentil potato soup, homemade tomato soup, butternut squash soup or veggie pasta soup, etc.
Or, serve them on side of this quinoa risotto or veggie pasta salad or sweet potato gnocchi.

image of zucchini flatbread slice while lifting from the baking tray.

Helpful Tips!

Cut the zucchini into even slices or ribbons and then mix with a little salt. Spread them on a kitchen paper or clean kitchen towel in a single layer for 10-15 mins. This will help remove some moisture from the zucchini.
For more health benefits use whole wheat flatbread or pizza dough. You can use this whole wheat pizza dough recipe for making it at home.
If you are making homemade pizza dough then you can skip the proofing time and use the dough immediately. The flatbread doesn't necessarily need a spongy pizza-like base. Moreover, you don't have to wait for at least an hour for the dough to rise.
Use fresh mozzarella cheese instead of processed and preserved ones for more deliciousness in the flatbread.

image of zucchini flatbread cut into slices in the baking tray.

Recipe Variations

Add a variety of toppings: You can consider adding thinly sliced onion, spinach, eggplant, jalapeño, etc in addition to zucchini on your flatbread.

Turn flatbread into veggie pizza - spread your favorite pizza sauce on the dough base and build your pizza toppings using the rest of the ingredients. You can bake it over a pizza stone or in a pizza pan. For more Italian flavors add some fresh basil leaves.

image of flatbread with all the toppings ready to bake.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Flatbread and Pizza?

I find it very confusing to differentiate between a flatbread and a pizza. As far as I understand and what I've read from different sources, the following points can help to differentiate.

Flatbread does not have a layer of sauce (tomato or pesto or any other etc) as the pizza.
The base of the flatbreads is more thin, dense, and crispy than regular pizzas.
Flatbread dough does not necessarily require to add yeast. Also, no proofing is needed.
You can make flatbreads of any shape. It does not matter. Pizza is usually round or square in shape.

This means flatbread is more rustic and forgiving yet delicious.

zucchini flat bread slices in the baking tray

MORE ZUCCHINI FAVORITES

📖 Recipe

2 Comments

Mexican chicken avocado salad - filling, satisfying, and, with full of flavors this easy wholesome dish will make you fall in love with salads.

Mexican Avocado and chicken salad in a salad bowl

If you are not a big fan of salads because you find them boring and not filling then try this healthy salad recipe. I am sure that this recipe will change your views on salads.

This chicken avocado salad is inspired by Mexican flavors such as Mexican rice, cilantro-lime rice, etc.. The spicy, tangy, crunchy, and meaty combination in this salad makes this dish flavorful and satisfying.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Ingredients you will need!

Chicken - use skinless chicken breasts or boneless and skinless chicken thighs.
Spices - chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin powder are the main spices that bring out amazing flavors in the chicken.
Salad base - use cucumbers, avocados, roasted corn kernels, spring mix, etc.
Lime/lemon juice - you will need it to make the salad dressing. Also, drizzle some lime juice on the chicken while cooking for added tangy flavors.
Olive oil - use cooking oil for roasting chicken and extra virgin olive oil for preparing the salad dressing.
Garlic cloves - add finely minced garlic into the salad dressing.
Fresh cilantro - use fresh leaves in the salad base and chop them finely to add in the dressing.

How to make a chicken avocado salad?

Cooking Chicken

Cut chicken breast in half along its length. It will reduce its cooking time and will be more flavorful. In a small mixing bowl combine dry spices like chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin powder with some salt, and black pepper. Then rub each piece of chicken breast with the prepared spice mixture evenly.

Chicken breasts mixed with Mexican spices in a mixing bowl and then cooked in cast iron skillet

Then heat some oil in a large cast-iron skillet and place the chicken pieces without overlapping. Cook the chicken on both sides until well done. Once done let it cool before adding into the salad.

collage image with chicken breast in a cast iron skillet and corn kernels in a cast iron skillet

Salad Dressing

For making the salad dressing, in a small mixing bowl add extra virgin olive oil, lime or lemon juice, finely minced garlic, fresh chopped cilantro, and some salt. Mix well using a small whisk. Or, use a small mason jar to combine all the ingredients, close the lid and shake it to mix well.

cilantro lime dressing in a small mixing bowl

Preparing Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl combine spring mix, corn kernels, diced cucumbers, and diced avocados. Gently toss everything well.

Finishing the Salad

Finally, cut the chicken into thick slices and add them to the greens mixture. Drizzle the prepared olive oil dressing and gently mix the salad. Salad servers or salad hands make it very easy to mix the salad ingredients.

drizzling cilantro lime dressing oven Mexican Chicken Avocado Salad in a salad bowl.

Serving suggestions

A large serving bowl of this salad is filling and sufficient for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
You can serve this salad on the side of Mexican flavored soups such as black bean soup or lentil soup, turkey chili, etc.
You can also add cilantro-lime brown rice or cilantro-lime quinoa into this Mexican salad for added fibers and carbohydrates.

Helpful Tips!

Buy organic and pasture-raised chicken whenever possible. Remove the skin on the chicken pieces to reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol. And, use boneless chicken for this recipe.
Do not overcook the chicken else the meat will be hard and chewy in texture.
Roast the corn kernels in the same pan after cooking the chicken. Drippings and seasonings from the chicken add flavors to the corn kernels. You can also use raw corn kernels if you want to avoid this step.

Mexican Chicken Avocado Salad in salad bowl

Recipe variations

Skip the salad part and serve the cooked chicken breasts on the side of Mexican style brown rice. You can also add homemade guacamole into this menu.
Summer barbecue grilling - marinate the chicken with the spices mentioned above in advance. Then cook them on an outdoor grill for the smokey taste. And follow all the recipe instructions for making the awesome grilled chicken avocado salad.
Chipotle bowl: Add cooked black beans or pinto beans, cilantro-lime rice, a dollop of sour cream, guacamole instead of diced avocados and Mexican cheese blend to turn this salad into a Chipotle-style bowl.

FAQs:

How can you tell if the chicken is cooked?

Using a knife make a small incision on the thickest side of the chicken. If its center appears light pink in color this would mean you will need to cook the chicken a little longer. And, if it appears white then the chicken is fully cooked.

What can I do with leftover Mexican salad?

I recommend mixing greens, meat, and dressing just before serving the salad based on the number of servings. You can store leftover chicken and dressing and prepare a quick 'n fresh salad the next day. Storing leftover salad will make the salad greens wilt down from the salt in the dressing.

More Healthy Mexican Recipes

Mexican Salad with chicken and avocado in salad bowl

📖 Recipe

Other Chicken Recipes to Try

Browse all chicken recipes→

2 Comments

Instant Pot Spinach Brown Rice - make flavorful tender brown rice with spinach in an electric pressure cooker. A quick and easy wholesome meal you can make in less than one hour.

Instant Pot spinach brown rice after cooking

Are you looking to include more greens and fibers into your diet?

Then you are in the right place. Here you will learn how to cook spinach with brown rice in an Instant Pot (IP).

DO NOT have Instant Pot?

No worries! Try our most popular Spinach Rice recipe on the regular stove instead.

I think I am secretly in love with spinach. I use it in my dishes all the time. Whether it is greens-salad, a pasta dish or green smoothie or Indian palak paneer, or Christmas pinwheels tree you can use spinach without any doubt. It is a perfect and versatile green that you can use in any cuisine.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Ingredients

Brown rice - long-grain brown rice gives good result
Spinach - buy organic baby spinach leaves for less cleanup and quick preparation
Green peas - use fresh or frozen green peas
Garlic - chop it finely
Onion - dice it into small pieces
Tomato - dice into small pieces
Spices and seasonings - to flavor the dish add good quality aromatic curry powder, cumin powder, salt, and pepper
Liquid - use vegetable stock or chicken stock. You can also use a combination of stock and water
Oil - use cooking oil of your choice. In my kitchen, I always use olive oil or avocado oil for cooking.

How To Make Instant Pot Spinach Brown Rice?

Heat some oil in an Instant Pot on high saute mode. Cook onion, fresh chopped garlic until translucent. Add chopped tomatoes and let them soften. Now add brown rice, spinach leaves, green peas, and spices. Mix everything well. Then add vegetable stock or chicken stock and generously season with salt and pepper.

Cover the Instant Pot and cook the mixture on manual high pressure for 22 mins. Let the pressure release naturally. A delicious wholesome meal is ready to enjoy.

Preparing brown rice with spinach and green peas in Instant Pot

Serving Suggestions!

Serve a warm bowl of this green rice with some sliced cucumbers and carrots on the side. You can also add a dollop of yogurt on the side.
To make it protein-rich and a more filling dish, serve sliced roasted cilantro-lime chicken with this spinach rice.

Spinach with brown rice and green peas in a serving bowl

Helpful Tips!

Brown rice - I prefer using long grain basmati brown rice.
If you want your cooked rice texture to be al dente then manually release the pressure as soon as the cooking timer is over. Do not let the steam release naturally as it takes a longer time and can overcook the rice for your liking.
How to get fluffy rice - once done with cooking the rice, separate the grains using a fork to get fluffy rice.
Instead of green peas, you can also add your choice of cooked beans.

Recipe Variations

Spinach rice with Indian flavors - replace curry powder with aromatic garam masala to give this rice dish a twist of Indian flavors.

Spinach rice with added proteins - Once cooking is complete add cooked or roasted cilantro lime chicken to make this into a chicken dish. Also, consider adding your favorite cooked beans if you want a meatless dish.

FAQs

How to Use Leftover Rice?

If you have enough leftover rice then evenly spread them to cover the bottom of the stainless steel pot of your IP. Simply turn it on to "warm" mode, sprinkle some water and let the rice warm-up for at least 30 min.
Or, heat the rice in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 min depending on the amount of leftover rice. Make sure to cover the bowl so that the rice will not dry out. Additionally, sprinkle some water over the rice before heating to keep it moist.

Instant Pot spinach with brown rice and green peas in a serving bowl

More Recipes To Try In Instant Pot

More Recipes With Brown Rice

📖 Recipe

1 Comment

Air fryer chicken parmesan - breaded chicken fried in an Air Fryer for a healthier twist on the classic chicken parm recipe. Chunky marinara sauce and fresh melting mozzarella cheese toppings make this healthy chicken parmesan hard to resist.

This recipe is inspired by Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan which I published last year. After getting several positive feedbacks on this popular recipe on the blog, I thought to share a recipe for making chicken parmesan in the Air Fryer for those who are meat lovers.

Ready to give it a try?

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Ingredients you will need

Fresh chicken - use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Slice them into half lengthwise.
Egg - whisk 1 large egg into a large deep dish.
Bread crumbs - use regular bread crumbs.
Parmesan cheese - use finely grated parmesan cheese.
Garlic - mince it finely or use a garlic crusher for this job.
Seasonings - such as salt, pepper, and Italian spice blend to flavor the chicken.
Tomato sauce - use this homemade pizza sauce or marinara sauce.
Mozzarella cheese - I prefer to use fresh mozzarella cheese.
Fresh basil or parsley - chop it finely for topping and garnish.
Oil Spray - I use Olive Oil spray to lightly oil the breaded chicken during air frying.

How to bread chicken breasts?

Prepping Chicken:

I prefer cutting chicken breasts into half along their length so that 1 chicken breast will give 2 even-sized slices or cutlets. It helps to cook them evenly and will also reduce the cooking time. And it tastes better than keeping it whole.

Preparing Breadcrumbs:

In a wide and deep round dish, whisk 1 large egg. In another similar dish prepare the breadcrumb mixture. Add parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings blend, finely minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the bread crumbs for some nice flavors. Find a detailed list of ingredients and recipe instructions below.

Coating the Chicken:

Now dip the chicken slices into the beaten egg and transfer them into the breadcrumb mixture. Lightly press the crumbs so that they stick on both sides more or less evenly. Keep it aside until all the chicken breasts are done with the coating.

ready to cook parmesan breaded chicken in a tray and in a air fryer basket.

How long to cook chicken parmesan in the Air Fryer?

Preheat your Air Fryer to 360 F. My Philips XL Air Fryer takes 3 mins to preheat. Then place the parmesan breaded chicken breasts in the Air Fryer basket. Spray some olive oil and cook them for 6 min at 360F. Flip the chicken, spray oil on the other side, and cook for another 2 mins. Top with some marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese, and then cook again until the cheese melts and is bubbly--this takes about 2 mins.

My Philips XL Air Fryer can hold two large pieces of chicken at a time. So, I cook this chicken in two batches in this recipe.

Serving suggestions

Serve this healthy chicken parm with loaded greens salad or simple kale pasta, or toasted pea pasta or this vegetable pasta salad for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Or make this Italian-inspired quinoa risotto or Instant Pot healthy pumpkin risotto to pair with it.
Even sauteed brussels sprouts or garlicky green beans would go well with this air-fried chicken parm.

air fryer chicken parmesan in a serving plate with some plain macaroni pasta

Helpful tips!

Buying chicken - buy organic pasture-raised chicken whenever possible. It is always better to consume chickens that are raised in a healthy environment. Also, try to get locally raised chickens to help local businesses.
Chicken breast works best for making this air-fried chicken parm dish. However, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Cooking times may vary slightly, though.
Cut the chicken breast in half along its length to get thin slices of breast meat. It will cook evenly and will also reduce the cooking time. A sharp large knife will make this job much easier.
Use fresh mozzarella cheese to top the fried breaded chicken for added deliciousness.
Use whole-wheat bread crumbs for a healthier twist to this classic recipe. If you have panko bread crumbs, then pulse them in a food processor or blender for a few seconds to make them into regular crumbs. Panko bread crumbs are usually quite coarse in texture. However, if you prefer the coarse texture, then feel free to use them.

air fried chicken parmesan in a serving tray

FAQs

How to store and reheat leftovers?

I would recommend storing breaded parmesan chicken pieces without adding any toppings in the refrigerator. For the next day, preheat your Air Fryer to 360F and then place leftover breaded chicken, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and cook for 2-3 min. This way, you can enjoy this dish fresh the next day.

Is air-fried chicken parmesan healthy?

Air Fryer cooks breaded chicken with way less amount of oil than is normally required for deep frying. You just need to lightly spray or brush oil on the chicken to get the desired color after cooking. This is why low-fat chicken parmesan is always healthy than deep-fried.

More Air Fryer recipes to try

Delicious chicken recipes you will love

Leave a Comment

Try this super simple and easy recipe to make garlic herb whole wheat focaccia bread at home. This delicious bread with a moist and airy texture will tempt you to prepare it again and again.

garlic herb whole wheat focaccia bread baked in a baking sheet pan

If you are a cooking enthusiast like me then I am sure you are adventurous in baking different kinds of bread at home.

Isn't it?

So do I. Whether it is garlic naan bread or whole wheat dinner rolls or homemade pita bread I always prefer to bake bread at home.

A big advantage of making homemade bread is that you have control over the ingredients that would go in it. Usually, store-bought bread is loaded with excess sugar, all-purpose flour, and unnecessary preservatives. And these culprit ingredients turn this bread into empty calories. Moreover, eating freshly baked bread always makes our gut dance with happiness.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Ingredients

Flour blend - I use a blend of white whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour
Yeast - use rapid rise or instant rise yeast for proofing the dough in less time
Sugar - it helps to activate the yeast
Garlic - peel and chop it finely
Fresh Rosemary - also chop it finely
Warm water - to help yeast to do their job quicker
Olive oil - use extra virgin olive oil for kneading the dough and topping the bread
Parmesan cheese - use finely grated parmesan cheese for topping the bread before baking

How to make healthy focaccia bread at home?

Make the dough- In a large mixing bowl combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. You can also add fresh rosemary and chopped garlic into it. Reserve some chopped garlic and rosemary for adding as toppings later on. Then combine the flour with other ingredients. Gradually add warm water and mix with the flour either using your hands or a wooden spatula. Once the water is well incorporated into the flour transfer the mixture to a flat surface and knead it to form a dough. Keep adding little olive oil to avoid the dough sticking to the surface and hands. Knead the dough for at least 8-10 minutes.

Let the dough rise - Once the kneading is done transfer the dough back to the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl and keep it in a warm place for the dough to rise. I usually put it in the oven without turning on any settings.

Whole wheat dough in a mixing bowl. Before and after proofing dough.

Preheat the oven - Preheat the oven to 400F. DO NOT forget to take the dough out if you are keeping it inside the oven for proofing before turning it on.

Prepare baking sheet - Spread or brush the olive oil on a baking sheet and transfer the dough to it. Using hands spread the dough evenly to form a uniform layer.

Topping the focaccia - Using fingers or the round back of a wood spatula create random but close dimples all over the flat dough. Then generously brush or drizzle olive oil. Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh rosemary and garlic. Finally, top with some finely grated parmesan cheese.

Bake - Transfer the garlic herb focaccia bread to the preheated oven and bake until well done. It will take around 15-20 min to get the bread done. Detailed Ingredients list and instructions are given below (see the Recipe Card below)

whole wheat dough in a baking sheet before and after baking

Serving suggestions

For an appetizer or starter, serve this freshly baked whole wheat focaccia bread with seasoned extra virgin olive oil.
Serve warm bread on the side of homemade soups like creamy tomato soup, golden cauliflower soup, vegetarian lentil soup, etc., for a wholesome meal.
You can also use this bread to prepare a sandwich in the recipes like Italian veggie sandwich or shredded chicken sandwich.

Helpful tips!

Flour - Use white whole wheat flour for making this homemade focaccia. Using 100% whole wheat flour in making this bread will give a slightly dense texture. Therefore I prefer using a 1:1 ratio of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
Warm water - Make sure to use very warm water. If you are able to touch the water without feeling a burning sensation then that's the perfect temperature you can use. It will help to grow the yeast and dough will rise easily in a short time.
Rapid rise yeast - it helps to raise the dough quickly compared to regular yeast. And you can add it directly into the flour and start kneading the dough without soaking it in warm water to activate. However, you can use regular active dry yeast, just make sure to soak it in warm water with some sugar for 15-20 min before adding into the flour.
Amount of water - The wetter the dough the more soft and moist the bread will be. If you are comfortable adding little more water and kneading the dough, give it a try. Stop adding water if the dough starts to become sticky.
Season generously - Focaccia bread is a classic Italian bread made with flour, herbs, and yeast. So be generous in using herbs, garlic, salt and olive oil for a richer taste.
Dough proofing time - If you are using instant yeast or rapid rise yeast then allow at least 1 ½ hours for the dough rise. You can also prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours or overnight before baking the focaccia.
Toppings - In this recipe, I use parmesan cheese, fresh rosemary and chopped garlic for topping the bread. You can add your favorite toppings if you want to make it with different flavors. In restaurants or store-bought focaccia, I have noticed that they add sliced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced onion, cheese or even pieces of meat. So be creative in topping up the bread and create your favorite combination of flavors.

whole wheat focaccia bread cut into pieces in a baking sheet pan.

FAQs:

How long will homemade focaccia stay fresh?

After baking focaccia bread it stays good for 1-2 days. I would not recommend storing and consuming it beyond 2 days.

How to store leftover whole wheat focaccia bread?

Store all leftover bread in an airtight glass container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.

How to use leftover focaccia bread?

Simply put the bread in a microwave-safe bowl or container and microwave it for 30-40 seconds just before serving. And serve while it is warm.

More whole wheat recipes to try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

1 Comment

Make this super easy and healthy Vegetable Thai Fried Rice using a variety of fresh veggies and aromatic jasmine rice with Thai style sauce. It is a perfect wholesome fried rice recipe for making a quick dinner or lunch.

Healthy vegetable Thai fried rice in a frying pan

Have you tried drunken noodles in Thai restaurants? If you love the flavors in it, then you will enjoy this homemade Thai style fried rice. This dish is slightly different from Chinese fried rice.

In the past few months, I have made it several times for our picnic potlucks, meditation gatherings and of course for our weeknight dinners. It took a long time to make it happen on this website though, but finally, we have it for you all!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Ingredients

Rice - use aromatic brown or white jasmine rice.
Thai fried rice sauce - use a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and little honey to flavor the dish.
Veggies - dice carrot, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc., into small pieces. I also use green peas.
Shallot or small onion - dice into small pieces.
Garlic, ginger, and Thai red chili - Mash or chop them finely.
Cooking oil - Most of the time, I use olive oil for cooking. You can also use sesame oil in this recipe.
Thai basil - use a generous amount of fresh Thai basil leaves for the authentic flavors.

How To Make Vegetable Thai fried rice?

Cooking Rice:

Cook brown or white jasmine rice according to package instructions. Preferably cook the rice well in advance and allow it to cool or keep it in the refrigerator to chill. Cold rice works perfectly well in making fried rice recipes. Leftover rice also works better if you have them.

Thai Fried Rice Sauce:

In a small mixing bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and some honey. Mix everything well and keep it aside.

Cooking Veggies and Rice

Cook mashed fresh garlic, ginger, and Thai red chili in some oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Then add diced vegetables, green peas and cook them until they soften. Pour in prepared sauce blend and mix everything well. Now add cooked cold or chilled rice and mix well to coat the sauce evenly with the rice. Finally, add fresh Thai basil leaves for the added flavors. Serve warm.

Serving suggestions

You can serve this vegetarian Thai fried rice warm with some lemon wedges, fresh cucumber slices, and thinly cut cabbage threads on the side. That's how they serve rice or noodles in Thai restaurants.

Or pair this dish with chili garlic tofu for added protein content.

Helpful Tips!

Cook the Jasmine rice well in advance and let it cool before using in the recipe. This way, you can get nice fluffy rice without breaking the grains. When the rice is cold, the grains separate easily and mix well with the Thai sauce blend and vegetables.
Cut all the vegetables into equal sizes so that they cook evenly. You can keep them crunchy or cook until tender as per your preference.
Use a generous amount of fresh Thai basil leaves. This is a key ingredient that adds a lot of flavors into this rice dish.

stir fried vegetable Thai rice in a frying pan

Recipe Variations

Thai fried rice with egg

Once the vegetables are cooked with fish sauce blend, make some space in the pan and cook eggs on one side of veggies. Once the eggs are done, mix them with veggies in the pan and then add cooked rice.

Or you can also cook eggs with some oil in a separate frying pan. Then mix this scrambled eggs with prepared fried rice.

Tofu Fried Rice

Cut extra-firm tofu into bite-size pieces. Then stir-fry them in little oil and add it to the prepared fried rice to make it a more filling dish.

Chicken Thai Fried Rice

You can cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, cook them in some oil until they are well done, and then add into the fried rice.

Seafood Fried Rice

Use a variety of seafood like shrimp, fish, or scallops in this rice dish to make it rich in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. Just cook them to perfection before adding into the rice.

Thai fried rice with vegetables in a serving plate

Best kind of rice to use in Thai fried rice?

Usually, aromatic Jasmine Rice is the prime choice for making Thai Fried Rice. It also comes in brown rice variety, if you prefer.

Precooked or Leftover Rice Vs. Fresh Rice?

For making any kind of fried rice precooked, cold and slightly dried rice or leftover rice works best. Because precooked rice does not stick to the pan and makes the dish more fluffy.

However, you can still use freshly cooked rice to make this dish. Although, it will take some time to mix the rice and sauce properly. Also, fresh and soft rice breaks easily while stirring. Despite this, fresh rice gives a more delicious and fresh taste, which I always prefer. Because fresh rice is easy to digest and does not put pressure on our stomach.

Difference between Chinese fried rice and Thai fried rice

The key difference is that Chinese fried rice uses only soy sauce to flavor the dish while Thai fried rice is flavored using fish sauce and fresh Thai basil leaves in addition to soy sauce.

In my recipe, I also love to use the oyster sauce for added deliciousness.

You will also love these Asian recipes

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

2 Comments

Air Fryer Whole Chicken - get roasted chicken with soft and juicy meat on the inside and a crispy crust on the outside in an Air Fryer. An easy recipe for weeknights or a large gathering. Also, learn how to make a delicious gravy that adds awesome flavors to this dish.

Personally, I feel an Air Fryer (AF) is like a small compact oven. You can fry, cook, or roast mostly everything in it. Whether it is frying french fries, making BBQ chicken wings, roasting corn on the cob or reheating leftover pizzas, it will never fail you. And it is energy efficient as well because it takes less time and electricity compared to preheating and baking in large household ovens.

Recently, I have started to make whole roasted chicken in Air Fryer. To my surprise, it came out amazingly delicious with crispy skin and soft and moist meat inside. On my husband's request, I also prepared a delicious gravy using the drippings from the chicken collected in the AF pan.

I am sure you will love this recipe for Air Fryer rotisserie-style whole chicken. Let's get started.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Ingredients you will need!

Chicken - Use chicken based on the size of your Air Fryer.
Garlic - Finely chop using a knife or use a garlic crusher to mince it.
Oil - I use olive oil or avocado oil.
Lemon - Cut into smaller pieces. Also, you will need some lemon juice.
Paprika - Smoked paprika gives a nice flavor to the roasted chicken.
Black pepper and salt - Use according to taste.

marination ingredients in a plate and raw chicken in a bowl

How to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?

Marinating Whole Chicken:

In a small mixing bowl prepare marinade using minced garlic, oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.

Take the chicken out from its packaging and empty its cavity. If you prefer you can rinse the whole chicken under running cool water in the kitchen sink. Using a paper towel pat dry the chicken to remove all the excess water from the surface and its cavity as well. If you do not prefer to rinse the chicken you would still need to pat dry the chicken for any moisture that is already present.

Apply the prepared marinade all over the chicken and inside the cavity. Also, try to gently insert the marinade inside the loose skin using fingertips. This way chicken breasts will absorb the flavors. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for a flavorful result. The longer you marinate the more flavorful the chicken will be.

marinated whole chicken in a bowl and in a Air Fryer basket

Roasting Whole Chicken in Air Fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer to 360F if you have that as an option in your Air Fryer. My Philips XL Air Fryer takes 3 min to preheat. Meanwhile, add some lemon pieces into the cavity of the marinated chicken. Place the chicken on the wire basket of the AF with the breast facing down. Cook at 360F for 30 min and then flip the chicken to continue cooking for another 20 mins. Drizzle some water over the chicken after every 10 min of cooking to avoid burning the chicken. Once the chicken is well done let it cool for sometime before carving it. This will help to distribute the juices inside the meat and keep it moist.

How to make gravy?

Heat a medium-sized pan on medium heat. Add all the chicken drippings collected in the Air Fryer pan. You can also add some lemon juice and pulp from the lemons cooked while roasting the chicken. Then add whole-wheat or all-purpose flour into the drippings. Mix well and cook the mixture for 2-3 min. Gradually add water and simultaneously stir the mixture to get a smooth consistency. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer for about 5 min. Add salt if necessary and serve warm to add flavor to the whole roast chicken.

Recipe variations

Cooking whole chicken in Instant Pot: You can cook the whole marinated chicken in an Instant Pot in less than 30 min. For this, you can follow the steps in this recipe for Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Roasting whole chicken in oven: Cook the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 375F. Initially, cover the chicken with Aluminum foil in a baking tray and then cook for 40 min. Then remove the cover and bake further for another 30-35 min to develop the crust. You can follow the instructions mentioned in this Oven Roasted Whole Chicken Recipe.

Roasted whole chicken in Air Fryer basket

Serving suggestions

Prepare garlic lemon gravy from the pan drippings and serve it with roasted chicken. This chicken and gravy combination goes perfectly well with any of these dishes: plain couscous or couscous salad, creamy polenta, quinoa risotto, mashed cauliflower, mashed potatoes, etc.
You can serve this roasted chicken on the side of stir-fry vegetables or garlic green beans and homemade dinner rolls.

Helpful Tips!

Use organic and pasture-raised chicken whenever possible. I always prefer to buy chicken locally raised to support local businesses.
If you have time let the chicken marinate with spices for a few hours. It will be even more flavorful. You can also brine the chicken well in advance with some salt and pepper for delicious flavors.
If you have a Philips XL Air Fryer (3.5qt) then buy whole chicken that weighs less than 3.5 lb for better results. Air Fryers larger than 3.5 qt can accommodate bigger chicken than what I have mentioned in this recipe.
You can use your choice of spices to marinate and flavor the chicken. Cooking time will not vary in this case.
Prepare delicious gravy from the drippings collected in the Air Fryer pan. Make sure the pan is clean before roasting the chicken. See below for the gravy recipe.
Stuff lemon and garlic cloves inside the chicken cavity just before roasting it. Also, take out the cooked lemon pieces as soon as possible after the cooking is done. Keeping lemon for long inside the chicken might give a bitter taste. You can add the lemon juice and pulp from this cooked lemons into the gravy for a slight tangy taste if you prefer.

Is air fried chicken healthy?

Air fryer needs very little oil to cook or fry the food. And it gives a similar texture that of fried food without the need to deep fry it in oil.

What can i make with leftover chicken?

You can try these recipes to utilize leftover roast chicken

Make this quick and easy shredded chicken sandwich.
Add it to this vegetable pasta salad to make it a wholesome meal.
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and add them to stir-fry vegetables.

More Air Fryer recipes to try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

1 Comment

Make this Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani with all the authentic Indian flavors. Super easy to prepare at home whenever you crave for Biryani. This rice dish is loaded with fresh vegetables and perfect for a vegetarian meal.

Don't have an Instant Pot? No worries! You can make this one-pot easy veg biryani on the stovetop.

Looking for a meat version? Then try this easy chicken biryani.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What is Biryani?

Biryani is a rich and flavorful Indian rice dish prepared using aromatic rice, meat or veggies, yogurt, a variety of exotic spices, fried onions and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint.

Usually, biryani is a very involved recipe. Meat or veggies are cooked in yogurt with spices and are then layered with partially cooked rice in a large pot. This pot is then completely sealed to trap the steam and cooked on very low heat to develop the flavors inside the rice.

However, today I am sharing with you a simple and easy way to prepare this dish in an Instant Pot with all the authentic flavors.

Ingredients

You can find the following main ingredients needed for any type of biryani very easily in a nearby Indian grocery store or online. Some local grocery stores also carry Indian spices and basmati rice in their International section.

Rice - for making biryani, long grain aromatic basmati rice is usually the prime choice.
Vegetables - use fresh vegetables like carrot, cauliflower, green beans, green peas, and potatoes. Cut vegetables into large cubes.
Yogurt - it gives moisture and a little tangy taste to the biryani rice.
Ginger and garlic - finely mince them or make them into a paste.
Spices - you will need whole spices like black cumin seeds (aka shah jeera), cloves, cinnamon stick, black pepper, green cardamom, and biryani masala.
Onions - cut them into slices. Caramelized onion adds a distinct flavor to the biryani.
Fresh herbs - lots of fresh cilantro and mint leaves. Chop them finely.
Oil - usually ghee (clarified butter) is used for making biryanis. However, you can use your choice of fats and oils.

Fresh mint, cilantro and sliced onion in a bowl and assorted vegetables cut into 1-2" size in another for making Instant Pot veg biryani.

How to make Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani?

Preparing Rice and Veggies:

In a large bowl soak the rice in water. Add spices like black cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, black pepper and cardamom to the rice. It will infuse the flavors into the rice. While the rice getting soaked, in a small mixing bowl combine yogurt with ginger, garlic, biryani masala, salt, and some chopped fresh herbs. Then in a large mixing bowl mix all the cut vegetables with the prepared yogurt marinade. Keep it aside.

Rice soaked in water with some whole spices and yogurt mixed with Indian spices in a small bowl for making Instant Pot vegetable biryani

Cooking Biryani in Instant Pot:

Cook onions in little oil or ghee on high saute mode of Instant Pot until they caramelize or turn dark golden brown. Then add marinated vegetables and cook for a few minutes. Add soaked rice along with water and spread the rice evenly. No need to completely mix it with veggies. Adjust salt if necessary. Finally, add the remaining chopped herbs, few strands of saffron and chopped tomato. Cover the lid and cook on manual low pressure for just 5 mins. Then quick release the pressure and keep the lid closed for about 20 min or so (do not keep the valve on Seal position after releasing the pressure). Gently stir the rice and serve warm.

Helpful Tips!

Use fresh vegetables and organic ones whenever possible. Cut vegetables into large sizes so that they don't get overcooked and become mushy. Frozen vegetables won't work well for this kind of recipe.
While cooking onions you may find brown or burnt spots from caramelization at the bottom of the pot. This is normal. To remove them, simply add a tablespoon of water after caramelization and scrape it off using a spatula. Also, you can scrape them after adding the veggies with yogurt. Water from the yogurt will remove the brown spots of the caramelized onions. Don't worry--it will add flavor to the dish unless it is really burnt and black.
Soaking rice with spices for some time will help to absorb the flavors from them. Use rice along with this flavored water to add to the veggies.
Once the pressure cooking timer is off, quick release the pressure to remove the steam. It will stop further cooking the biryani. Once all the pressure is gone keep the lid closed and let the biryani sit in IP for another 20-30 min. It will help to develop the flavor in the dish without overcooking the rice.

Serving suggestions

Biryani is usually served with spiced yogurt sauce also known as raita. This raita is very similar to the Mediterranean tzatziki.

You can also pair this veg biryani with naan bread and curries like chickpea tikka masala or palak paneer for a complete party menu. To complement the menu you can also include homemade mango lassi.

FAQs:

Is it necessary to soak the rice before making biryani?

In short, the answer is YES.
Especially, when making this Instant Pot veg biryani it is a must to soak the rice before cooking.
Why? If you use dry rice it will take more time to cook. And cooking rice for a longer time will overcook the vegetables which will make them mushy in the biryani. This will not give an appealing taste and texture to the dish.
I tried making this biryani without soaking the rice and it was a complete failure.

Which rice is good for biryani?

For making biryani extra long grain aromatic basmati rice is the preferred choice. Upon cooking, long grain basmati rice gives soft texture and the grains stay separated from each other. These non-sticky aromatic cooked rice add a beautiful touch and flavor to the dish which makes biryani tempting.

How to use leftover Biryani?

Simply reheat the biryani rice in the microwave for 2-3 min. You can also sprinkle some water over the rice before putting it in the microwave. This way the rice will stay moist.
Leftover biryani always tastes more delicious as more and more flavors infuse into the rice over time.

Indian vegetable biryani in a serving bowl and raita on the side

More Recipes to Try In Instant Pot

You Will Also Love These Indian Recipes

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

1 Comment

Make this quick, easy, and healthy restaurant-style chicken tikka masala with all the authentic flavors at home. Perfect for a wholesome lunch/dinner or to include in a party menu. Trust me, your guests will never forget the dining experience.

Restaurant style chicken tikka masala in a large skillet

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Tikka masala is very popular in Indian restaurants worldwide. There will be hardly any Indian restaurant in western countries that won't serve this dish on their menu.

Traditionally, marinated chicken is cooked to perfection in a hot tandoor (clay) oven, after which this smokey chicken is dunked in a tomato-based sauce or gravy (aka masala). Marination, as well as the sauce, is generously infused with Indian spices for the unique flavors and taste that this dish has. And it is usually served with plain rice and/or fresh naan bread.

People who don't eat meat or are vegetarian; they can also enjoy this dish by preparing vegetarian tikka masala with all the authentic flavors.

Restaurant style chicken tikka masala ready to serve in serving plate with homemade naan bread and plain rice

Ingredients

As usual, my goal is to turn such recipes into simple, easy to follow and healthy dishes. Here are the ingredients that you will need for making this healthy tikka masala.

Chicken - skinless and boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
Tomato - fresh red tomatoes cut into large pieces
Onion - peel, and dice into large pieces
Fresh ginger and garlic - use fresh garlic cloves and peeled ginger pieces
Raw cashews - helps to thicken and gives a creamy texture to the sauce
Spices - use a variety of spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala
Oil - use your favorite cooking oil or ghee

Ingredients for making healthy chicken tikka masala at home

How to make healthy restaurant-style chicken tikka masala

Cooking Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are cut into bite-size pieces and then sauteed in little oil with some chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until all the water evaporates. Once done take out chicken pieces and keep them aside. If you have time marinate the chicken with mentioned spices well in advance for a more flavorful taste.

Coking marinated chicken in a large skillet

Preparing authentic tikka masala sauce: In the same pan with leftover oil cook garlic cloves, ginger, and onion chunks until translucent. Then add tomatoes, raw cashews and cook until softened. Take out this tomato mixture in a blender jar and blend until it gets smooth and creamy.

Clean the pan and heat some ghee or oil in it on low heat. Now add some turmeric and chili powder and cook until fragrant for a few seconds. Pour in the creamy tomato mixture and bring to boil. Then add garam masala, ground cumin, coriander powder and mix well. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Cover and simmer the mixture for a few more minutes on low heat. Finally, add cooked chicken and mix well. Turn off the heat and keep it covered. Serve warm.

Process of making chicken tikka masala in a large skillet

Serving suggestions

Serve it warm with plain rice or pulao.
It goes very well with naan bread or plain wheat flatbread.
For a perfect Indian feast make this dish along with garlic naan bread, easy chicken biryani, healthy palak paneer, tandoori chicken wings, mango lassi etc.,

Helpful Tips!

Buy organic and pasture-raised chicken whenever possible. Use skinless and boneless chicken in this recipe. Boneless chicken is easy to cut into bite-size pieces. And skinless chicken helps to cut down fat and unwanted cholesterols.
Use homemade roasted ground cumin and ground coriander for the best flavorful results.
If you are allergic to cashews, you can use raw almonds instead. Soak the almonds in water for a few hours, peel and then use it in the recipe. For quick use, boil raw almonds in some water in the microwave for 3 mins and then peel them before using.

FAQs:

Whether to use chicken thighs or breasts?

Personally, I prefer using chicken thighs when making Indian dishes. I think that works best as Indian cooking involves sauteeing, cooking or roasting for long times in order to infuse the aromatic spices in the recipe. In my experience, thigh pieces absorb the spices very well and give a juicy texture upon cooking.
On the other hand, chicken breasts tend to get hard, dry and chewy in texture if overcooked. However, you can use chicken breast in this recipe--just look out for the cooking time and if possible, marinate the chicken well in advance for best results.

To blend or not to blend the tikka masala sauce

Usually, tikka masala sauce is creamy in texture. I will recommend blending the sauce to get a smooth and creamy texture. Also, blending the sauce brings out more flavors as pulverized particles of the base ingredients combine well with flavorful spices.

What does chicken tikka masala taste like?

The chicken in this dish has a smokey and roasted taste while the tikka masala sauce is creamy and slightly tangy, nutty, and creamy in taste. Along with aromatic spices, it brings out an amazing combination of flavors and aroma in the masala.

Is Chicken Tikka good for you?

Definitely, it will healthy if you can avoid unhealthy ingredients. For example, use skinless chicken for less fat and cholesterol. Also, avoid adding full-fat yogurt, whole cream, and butter that can make this dish loaded with saturated fats and cholesterol.
And if you want to completely avoid the meat then try this vegetarian chickpea tikka masala.

Difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala

The main difference between two dishes is in its sauce or gravy base. Typically, both dishes use almost the same ingredients with slight variations in making the masala or sauce.

Butter Chicken: It is an Indian dish that originated in Delhi. It is a more creamy, buttery, and mild in spices version with less on the tomatoes. It also has less flavors from the spices. Most of the time the marinated chicken is simply sauteed in a pan or cooked in tandoor oven before adding into the creamy tomato gravy. You can try this butter chicken meatballs masala.

Chicken Tikka Masala: Surprisingly, it is a dish of British origin similar to butter chicken. It has more tomatoes in it along with being rich in flavors from spices. Usually, in this recipe, marinated chicken is cooked in a tandoor (clay) oven and then added into the creamy tomato sauce.

More Indian dishes you will enjoy

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

2 Comments

Garlic Basil Chicken in Tomato Sauce! A delicious, quick and easy meal for a satisfying filling lunch or dinner. Pair it with simple pasta or couscous for a healthy wholesome complete meal.

Garlic basil chicken with tomato sauce in a large skillet.

If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe using chicken then give this dish a try. Simple with an Italian touch—this is something you can make in less than 30 mins. This recipe is a variation of our popular shrimp in tomato sauce (or salmon) that you can find on Watch What U Eat.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What you will need!

Chicken thighs - get boneless and skinless chicken thighs for this recipe
Fresh tomatoes - diced in small pieces
Onion - diced in small pieces
Garlic cloves - minced or finely chopped
Spices - like dried oregano, paprika, black pepper
Some pine nuts
Fresh basil leaves
Grated parmesan cheese
And cooking oil - I prefer using olive oil

Chicken in garlic basil tomato sauce in a large skillet.

How to make Garlic Basil Chicken In Tomato Sauce?

This recipe involves two steps: 1. pan-frying chicken and 2. cooking garlic basil tomato sauce in leftover oil in the same pan

Cooking chicken

Simply heat some oil on medium heat in a large skillet or frying pan and add chicken pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle some salt to taste and cook for a few mins. Then flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking until well done. You will get a nice brown crust on the chicken. Take out the chicken pieces and keep them aside.

Making Tomato basil sauce

In the same pan, using the leftover oil add finely chopped garlic and diced onion to it. Cook for a few mins or until the raw taste goes away. Then add chopped fresh tomatoes and cook them until they soften and give a sauce-like consistency. You can also add chicken stock or water to get the consistency as you would normally prefer. Now add dried oregano, paprika, and some pine nuts. Mix well.

Okay, let me reveal the secret ingredient here. The pine nuts is the secret ingredient that I mentioned in the title of the recipe. They give a nice nutty flavor and also add a nice crunch to the dish!

Finishing the dish

Add back the cooked chicken pieces to the freshly prepared garlic tomato sauce. Finally, garnish with some grated parmesan cheese and a generous amount of chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.

Garlic basil chicken in tomato sauce in a large skillet.

Helpful Tips!

Use organic and pasture-raised chicken whenever possible. If it is locally grown go for it to support the local businesses.
To get a nice brown crust on the chicken thighs do not flip the chicken frequently. Let it cook on one side for the duration of cooking time mentioned below and then flip once to cook on the other side for the said duration.
I prefer using fresh tomatoes in this recipe instead of canned ones. I feel fresh tomatoes give fresh flavors and added deliciousness to the dish. However, using fresh tomatoes may take a little longer to complete the dish. The reason is fresh tomatoes might take some more time to cook in order to remove the raw taste as opposed to processed ones.
To give a smoother consistency to the sauce use the back of a wooden spatula or a masher to mash the tomatoes in the pan (once they are soft) while cooking.
You can skip the pine nuts if you don't have any. This basil tomato chicken tastes equally delicious even without using the pine nuts—I’ve tried it both ways.

Recipe variations

You can cut the chicken into bite-size pieces instead of using the whole thigh. And, you can cut the chicken before or after cooking them in the frying pan. However, cooking times may vary for the smaller pieces than what is mentioned for this recipe.
You can just make garlic basil tomato sauce without the chicken. This sauce is perfect to go even with plain pasta.
Use fresh shrimp or salmon in place of chicken to make a seafood version of this dish.
Use chicken breasts in place chicken thighs. However, cooking times may slightly vary for the chicken breasts.

Serving suggestions

You can pair this tomato chicken dish with plain pasta, or lemony couscous, creamy polenta, or this butternut squash quinoa risotto, easy pumpkin risotto for a wholesome healthy complete meal.

Garlic basil chicken with a delicious tomato sauce in a large skillet.

More Italian recipes to try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments if you REALLY like this recipe. Thank You!

📖 Recipe

5 Comments

Super soft melt-in-mouth texture of these healthy ground turkey meatballs, along with creamy, delicious gravy, makes this dish into a satisfying meal.

Healthy turkey meatballs with gravy in a large skillet

Turkey meat is considered to be low in saturated fat and cholesterol, unlike red meat. So it's a perfect alternative for incorporating in a healthy eating lifestyle.

This white meat perfectly blends with different spices that bring out a delicious aroma and taste. For example, during a grilling season, you can make grilled mini turkey meatloaves that are perfect appetizers and prepare turkey chili for cold nights. Or make them into meatballs that can be served as appetizers or in a creamy sauce to pair with side dishes like pasta, polenta or grits, etc.

Here I am sharing with you these healthy turkey meatballs in mushroom gravy.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Ingredients

Ground turkey meat - Get organic meat whenever possible
Fresh bread slices - give a super soft texture to meatballs
Onion - chop them finely
Garlic - chop or mince finely
Fresh herbs - use fresh parsley and rosemary. Chop them finely
Mushrooms - finely chopped
Flour - it helps to thicken the gravy
Chicken stock or broth - makes the gravy more flavorful
Salt and pepper - use it according to your taste

How to make turkey meatballs with gravy

Making turkey meatballs in gravy is a two-step process as the name suggests; 1. preparing meatballs using ground meat and 2. cooking delicious gravy to go with it.

Preparing turkey meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat with fresh bread crumbs (see helpful tips below), chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary. Also, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to distribute the flavorings in the meat evenly. Divide the mixture into small portions and give them a round shape.

Cooking meatballs on the stove

Heat some oil in a large frying pan or skillet. Place the prepared meatballs leaving some space in between, and cook them until well done. Once done, take them out and keep them aside. Find detailed instructions and helpful tips below.

How to make mushroom gravy

After cooking the meatballs, add garlic, onion, and chopped mushrooms to the same pan and cook for a few minutes. Then add some flour and cook the mixture for another couple of minutes. Slowly add the chicken stock and simultaneously mix everything using a whisk. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer on low heat for a few minutes.

Finally, add cooked meatballs, some fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well, cover, and simmer for another minute or so. Turn off the heat and keep covered.

sautéing mushroom and onion in large skillet for making mushroom gravy

Learn helpful tips!

Buy organic turkey meat whenever possible.
Finely chop the bread slices or pulse them in a food processor to make into soft bread crumbs. These fresh bread crumbs help to bind and give a soft texture to the turkey meatballs.
Do not cook the meatballs for a longer time. Overcooking the meat makes them chewy and tough in texture.
Use a metal cookie scoop to divide the meat mixture into equal parts. Put these small portions of the meat on parchment paper or a large plate, whichever is available. Spray some oil over the divided meat, or rub some oil on your palms. Then turn each meat portion into a round shape. The oil helps to roll the meatballs without sticking them to your hands.
You can also add an egg to the ground turkey mixture in this recipe. It helps to bind the meatballs and make them moist.

Healthy ground turkey meatballs with gravy and mashed cauliflower in a serving deep dish

What goes well with turkey meatballs

These healthy turkey meatballs with gravy go well with simple grits, creamy polenta, plain, or this butternut squash risotto.
You can also serve them on the side of simple pasta or cooked cilantro lime quinoa for a healthy meal.
For a perfect holiday menu or a non-traditional healthy Thanksgiving menu, pair this dish with creamy cauliflower mash or mashed potato, skillet garlic green beans, or roasted potatoes and green beans, and delicious non-alcoholic cranberry mimosa.
Skip the gravy process and serve these healthy meatballs as a healthy appetizer.

FAQs

How to make turkey meatballs moist?

Adding freshly chopped bread or fresh bread crumbs to the ground meat helps to make the meatballs moist and soft in texture. You can also add an egg along with the bread crumbs to the mixture to get a moist texture.

How do you know when turkey meatballs are done?

When the center of the meatballs is no more pink, you can safely say that they are cooked. For this, you have to cut open a meatball in half to check the center.

You can also use a thermometer to check when it reaches 165 F at the center of the meatballs if they are well done and safe to eat.

Are turkey meatballs healthy?

Yes! They are a very good source of protein. Turkey meat is lean with less fat compared to red meat. Moreover, these meatballs are cooked in a frying pan with very little oil.

What is special about this dish

Ingredients

Best hummus for hummus bowl

Chicken breasts vs chicken thighs and what to use?

Preparation tips!

Easy chicken shawarma marinade

How to make chicken hummus bowl

Serving suggestions

Helpful tips

Recipe variations

FAQs

📖 Recipe

Shawarma Chicken Hummus Bowl With Quinoa

Would you like to save this recipe?

Ingredients

Shawarma marinade

For quinoa

Instructions

Marinating the chicken

Prepare quinoa

Cooking chicken

Cooking peppers

Assembling the hummus bowl

Notes

Nutrition

What is unique about this dish

Ingredients

Preparation tips

How to make turkey burrito bowls?

Serving suggestions

Helpful tips

Recipe variations

Storage tips

FAQs

📖 Recipe

Black Bean Quinoa Turkey Burrito Bowls

Would you like to save this recipe?

Equipment

Ingredients

For cooking turkey

Bowl assembly

Instructions

Cooking ground turkey

Burrito bowl assembly

Notes

Nutrition

What is special about this dish

Ingredients

Preparation tips

How to make pesto vegetable orzo soup?

Serving suggestions

Helpful tips

Recipe variations

Make ahead instructions

Storage tips

FAQs

More healthy soups

📖 Recipe

White Bean Pesto And Vegetable Orzo Soup

Would you like to save this recipe?

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

What is special about this dish

Ingredients

Recipe variations

Kind of pasta to use

How to make healthy pasta with peas?

Chef's Secret - What makes this Peas Pasta delicious

Serving suggestions

Helpful tips

FAQs

More pasta recipes you will love

📖 Recipe

20 Min Healthy Pesto Pasta With Peas

Would you like to save this recipe?

Equipment

Ingredients

Optional