Roasted Lemon Chicken over Garlicky Greens & Rice with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

This full-flavored weeknight dish was healthy and delicious. The yogurt sauce was an essential element for my family. Any combination of greens could be used in this dish- I used the ingredients that had just arrived in my CSA box. 🙂

This recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Melissa Clark. I incorporated sautéed collard greens, bok choy, and leeks. I served the chicken and greens over brown Basmati rice drizzled with pan juices. We also had warm naan on the side. Great.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

For the Chicken:

• 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I used 7 thighs)
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely grated, minced or passed through a press
• 1 T finely chopped fresh thyme and/or oregano leaves (I used 1/2 T each) (can substitute 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano)
• large pinch of red-pepper flakes
• 3 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, cut lengthwise into 8 thin wedges

For the Garlicky Greens:

• 3 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 bunch of collard greens, ribs removed, halved lengthwise
• 2 baby bok choy
• 1-2 leeks (I used 1 1/2 large leeks), sliced into 1/4-inch half moons and soaked
• 5 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• large pinch of red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 T sherry vinegar

For the Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek or other strained, thick yogurt (or substitute labneh or sour cream) (I used 2% Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup coarsely grated seedless cucumber, such as Persian or hothouse cucumbers
• 1 large garlic clove, finely grated, minced or passed through a press

To Serve:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, parsley, and/or cilantro, for garnish
• brown Basmati rice, for serving
• warm flatbread, such as naan, for serving, optional

To Prep & Roast the Chicken:

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. (I set my oven to convection roast.)
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with the salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine 4 of the grated garlic cloves, thyme and/or oregano, red-pepper flakes, and olive oil.
4. Add chicken and lemon wedges, and toss until well coated. (If you want to work ahead, you can refrigerate the chicken for up to 12 hours before roasting.) (I marinated the chicken in the refrigerator for 6 hours prior to cooking.)
5. To Prep the Greens: Cut the ribbed collards into 1/4-inch ribbons. Slice ribbons in half; set aside. Cut the leafy portion of the bok choy into 1/2-inch ribbons. Rinse and dry the collards and leafy bok choy. Cut the bok choy stems into 1/8-inch pieces, cutting larger pieces in half to make relatively equal-sized pieces. Soak separately from the leafy greens to clean; rinse, dry, and set aside.
6. Arrange chicken and lemons on a parchment paper-lined, rimmed sheet pan in a single layer.
7. Roast until chicken is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes in a convection oven, or up to 27 to 35 minutes in a standard oven. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.
8. After placing the chicken in the oven, cook the rice, the greens, and make the sauce. (see below)

To Cook the Garlicky Greens:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-high. Add the soaked and strained leeks, sliced garlic, and chopped bok choy stems. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the washed leafy greens, 1 to 2 handfuls at a time, and stir until wilted. Continue until all of the greens have been added to the pan. Cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Season with the sherry vinegar as well as salt and pepper, to taste.

To Make the Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce:

1. Stir together yogurt, grated cucumber and clove of minced garlic in a small bowl.
2. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.

To Serve:

1. Layer the sautéed greens over the rice on a platter or other serving dish.
2. Top with the roasted chicken. Squeeze roasted lemon wedges all over chicken, and sprinkle with mint/parsley/cilantro and more red-pepper flakes, if desired.
3. Drizzle some of the accumulated pan juices over the top of everything.
4. Serve chicken accompanied by cucumber-yogurt sauce and warm flatbread.

Pesto-ish Risotto

Every fall, black swallowtail caterpillars takeover my backyard basil plants. I needed to make this basil-loaded dish before sharing my plants with them.

This risotto was rich, creamy, and hearty. The absolute highlight of the finished dish was the crispy garlic and pan-toasted pine nut topping. Loved it.

This recipe was adapted from Bon Appétit, contributed by Christian Reynoso. I adapted the original recipe to prepare it in a pressure cooker. Easy and elegant.

Yield: 4 to 6 Servings

• 4 T unsalted butter, divided
• 2 cups arborio or carnaroli rice
• 5 to 8 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced, divided
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 5 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (4 T) raw pine nuts
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 1/2 cups (loosely packed) basil leaves (from 1 large bunch), torn into 1″ pieces
• shaved or finely grated Parmesan, for serving (I used Parmigiano-Reggiano)
• Parmesan rind, optional
• juice of 1/2 large lemon

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a 5 or 7 quart pressure cooker over medium heat.
2. Add the rice and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring, until grains are partially translucent, about 1 1/2 minutes.
3. Add 2 cloves of garlic slices and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add all of the unheated stock; stir.
5. Lock the lid in place and bring to high pressure over high heat.
6. Adjust the heat to maintain high pressure. Cook for 7 minutes.
7. Release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions or place the pot under running cold water. (I used a quick release method.)
8. Carefully open the lid, being careful of the steam. The stock should be almost completely absorbed but the rice will be covered with a thick layer of milky broth. (more stock can be added at this point if the risotto appears too thick)
9. Meanwhile, cook the remaining 6 cloves of garlic slices, olive oil, and pine nuts in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic starts to turn golden around edges. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring often, until pine nuts and garlic are golden, about 5 minutes.
10. Remove from heat; stir in turmeric and season with pepper, to taste. Set aside.
11. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the Parmesan rind, if using, into the risotto. Season with salt, to taste.
12. Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the risotto and add freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
13. Stir basil into risotto.
14. Ladle risotto, discarding the Parmesan rind, into shallow bowls. Top with garlic–pine nut oil and Parmesan. Serve.

Coconut Rice with Shrimp & Corn

This dish is a wonderful one-pot summer dinner. Creamy rice topped with fresh summer corn, backyard basil, and shrimp. Delicious.

The recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Samantha Seneviratne. I modified the cooking times. I loved the fresh lime juice squeezed over the top. I may consider adding garlic next time- although it really was perfect as-is!

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped 
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 cups white rice, such as jasmine rice (I used Basmati rice)
• 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (I used tail-on, 21-25 count per pound)
• fresh corn kernels from 2 cobs (about 1 1/2 cups kernels), can substitute frozen
• 1 lime, zested, then sliced into wedges for serving
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade, plus more for garnish

1. In a large, heavy pot (with a lid), heat coconut oil over medium. (I used a large enameled cast iron Dutch oven.)
2. Add the onion, ginger and jalapeño and season with the 3/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the rice and sauté for another minute.
4. Then stir in the coconut milk and 1 1/4 cups water. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer but avoid scorching.
5. Stir in the corn kernels and an additional 1/4 cup of water, cover again, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 10 minutes. (Add more water by 1/4 to 1/2 cups throughout cooking as needed if the water has been absorbed, but the rice is still too firm.)
6. When the rice is tender, add the shrimp, stir and recover. Continue to cook over low heat for and additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and fully cooked.
7. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime zest and basil; season to taste with salt.
8. Serve immediately with lime wedges and topped with more basil.

Farro with Roasted Tomatoes, Pesto & Spinach

I love a dish involving warm dressing and wilted greens. I am also in love with farro- and pesto. This full-flavored vegetarian dish was made for me! Loved it. 🙂

This recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Yasmin Fahr. I used homemade pesto, Campari tomatoes, and several of the modifications and options that were suggested in the original recipe for ingredient substitutions.

It was incredible as a summer dish but could easily be served in any season with all of the possible variations. It can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature. The dish could also be topped with a protein such as grilled chicken, scallops, or shrimp, if desired. We ate it for dinner with roasted CSA vegetables and a green salad. It would also be lovely for a special lunch or brunch. Fabulous.

Yield: Serves 4

• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup farro, rinsed (I used Trader Joe’s “10 minute” Farro)
• 2 pints (4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes or 2 pounds of Campari tomatoes (12-14 tomatoes)
• 1 red onion, peeled, quartered and cut into 1-inch wedges keeping the root intact (I cut a large red onion into 8ths)(can substitute shallots)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the farro
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (4 T) store-bought or homemade pesto, plus more to taste (recipe below)
• 1 lemon, zested (about 1 tablespoon) and juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 packed cups baby spinach, arugula, Swiss chard (stemmed & chopped), or baby kale
• 1 (4 oz) ball fresh mozzarella or burrata, torn into chunks, or 1/2 cup ricotta salata or feta, crumbled, optional (I used 4 oz crumbled feta)
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley or basil leaves and tender stems, chiffonade or roughly chopped, for garnish

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. (I set my oven to convection roast.)
2. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the farro and adjust the heat to maintain a medium boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom, until tender and not too chewy, about 10 to 30 minutes. (I used Trader Joe’s “10-minute” Farro which cooked in 10 minutes)
3. Meanwhile, on a parchment paper-lined, rimmed sheet pan, combine the tomatoes and onion wedges with the oil, making sure everything is well coated and glistening, then season with salt, pepper and the red-pepper flakes. Roast until the tomatoes blister and slightly deflate, 20 to 30 minutes.
4. When the farro is done, drain, then pour into a serving bowl or back into the pot. Toss with some olive oil, then mix in the pesto.
5. Add the lemon zest and juice, then stir in the spinach (or other greens). Set aside to cool slightly.
6. Scrape the onions, tomatoes and their juices into the farro; season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Add the cheese, if using, then garnish with herbs and serve.

For the Pesto: (Makes about 1 cup)

• 2 loosely packed cups fresh basil leaves, rinsed and dried
• coarse salt
• 1 large clove garlic
• 2 T toasted pine nuts or walnuts
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, or more to taste
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano

1. Combine the basil with a pinch of salt, the garlic, the nuts, and about half of the oil in a food processor or blender.
2. Process, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container if necessary and adding the rest of the oil gradually.
3. Add more oil if you prefer a thinner mixture. (Sometimes I add a little bit of stock instead to achieve the same result.)
4. Stir in the cheese.

The pesto recipe is from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman. The amounts can be modified to reduce the volume; only 1/4 cup of pesto is used in the farro dish.

Venetian Rice & Peas (Risi e Bisi)

In Venice, this classic dish is traditionally served on April 25th, St. Mark’s Day. This version was adapted from Michela Tasca, owner of Ca’ de Memi Farm and Bed and Breakfast in Piombino Dese, outside of Venice, Italy, via 177MilkStreet.com, contributed by Diane Unger.

The recipe is similar to risotto in its cooking method and because it incorporates arborio rice, but this dish is much more fluid and soupy. It is definitely for pea lovers! Whole peas and puréed peas are mixed into the creamy rice. I loved the vibrant, beautiful color of the finished dish.

Yield: Serves 4

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large white onion, half thinly sliced and half finely chopped
• 1 medium celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 1 quart chicken stock or broth
• 2 cups frozen peas, divided (1 cup frozen, 1 cup thawed & at room temperature)
• 2 cups lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 ounces pancetta, cubed or finely chopped (I used uncured pancetta)
• 4 T salted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces, divided
• 1 cup arborio or vialone nano rice
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 ounces (1 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve (I used Parmigiano-Reggiano)

1. In a medium pot, combine the carrot, sliced onion (reserve the chopped onion), celery, fennel seeds, stock (or broth), and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then cover, reduce to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables have softened, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the solids to a blender, draining as much of the liquid as possible. (It’s okay if some of the fennel seeds remain in the pot.) (I used a Vitamix.)
3. Add 1 cup of the stock to the blender along with the parsley and the still-frozen peas. (The frozen peas cool the mixture so that it remains a brilliant green.) Leave the remaining stock in the pot, covered, so that it remains warm. (I kept the pot over low heat.)
4. Blend the solids, parsley, frozen peas, and cup of stock until the mixture is completely smooth, 1 to 2 minutes; set aside. (You should have about 3 cups of purée.)
5. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the reserved chopped onion, pancetta, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion and pancetta are lightly browned and the pancetta fat is rendered, 6 to 8 minutes. (I used a low, wide, enameled cast iron pot.)
6. Add the rice and stir until the grains are coated with fat, about 1 minute.
7. Stir in 1 cup of warm stock. Cook, stirring, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Ladle in additional stock to barely cover the rice, about 1 cup at a time, and simmer, stirring often, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 5 minutes per addition.
9. Repeat the addition of stock, about 4 or 5 times, until the rice is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
10. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand uncovered for 5 minutes.
11. Add the thawed, room temperature peas and the reserved purée; stir into heated through, about 1 minute.
12. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; stir until melted.
13. Stir in the Parmesan. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
14. Serve sprinkled with additional grated Parmesan, as desired.

Maqlubeh (Palestinian Upside-Down Chicken & Rice)

I have a Maqlubeh (Maqluba) recipe collection. I have always wanted to make this beautiful, multi-layered, flavor-packed dish but was hesitant because it is a bit of a project. This streamlined version inspired me to finally try it. I even made it on a weeknight! (admittedly a little ambitious…)

This recipe was adapted from 177milkstreet.com, contributed by Courtney Hill. I substituted boneless, skinless chicken thighs for bone-in. I also used unsalted butter and chicken stock.

When presenting the finished dish, the platter is gently shaken to create cracks in the rice. The cracks reveal the aromas as well as the chicken and vegetables inside. I absolutely loved it- and drove my family crazy talking about it all evening. 😉 Although it could be served as a complete meal on its own, I served it with roasted asparagus and broccoli as well. It is classically served with a tomato, cucumber and yogurt salad. Fantastic.

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

• 2 cups white Basmati rice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken thighs (about 6) or bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3), trimmed
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/3 cup raw slivered almonds
• 8 ounces cauliflower florets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 to 10 large garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 to 3/4 medium eggplant (about 8 to 12 ounces), sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
• 1 quart (4 cups) chicken stock

1. In a large bowl, combine the rice and 2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Add water to cover by 1 inch, then set aside.
2. Prepare a lidded pot that measures 9½ to 11 inches in diameter and 4 to 6 inches deep. (I used a large enameled cast iron Dutch oven.) Cut 2 rounds of kitchen parchment the size of the pot. (I cut the rounds slightly oversized so that it had a little bit of a lip.)
3. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper.
4. Set the pot over medium and heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until shimmering.
5. Add the chicken “skin side” down and cook until browned, about 7 minutes for boneless or 10 minutes for bone-in. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
6. Remove the pot from heat. Place 1 parchment round on the bottom, then turn to coat it with fat.
7. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil to the parchment-lined pot, then sprinkle evenly with the almonds.
8. Drain the rice in a fine mesh strainer, then rinse under cool running water and drain again.
9. Scatter 1 cup of the rice in a thin, even layer over the almonds.
10. In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining rice with the cauliflower, garlic, melted butter, cumin, allspice, turmeric, nutmeg and 1 3/4 teaspoons each salt and pepper. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture, then distribute the remainder in an even layer in the pot.
11. Place the chicken and accumulated juices (if using boneless, skinless chicken) in the pot, slightly nestling the pieces into the rice-cauliflower layer; discard any accumulated juices (if using bone-in chicken).
12. Shingle the eggplant slices over the chicken in an even layer. Sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup rice-cauliflower mixture.
13. Pour the stock into the pot (it will not fully cover the eggplant), then bring to a boil over medium-high. Set the second parchment round over the food, the cover the pot with the lid. Cook for 5 minutes, reduce to low and cook, undisturbed, for 35 minutes.
14. Remove the pot from the heat, uncover and let stand for 15 minutes.
15. Remove the parchment (and accumulated liquid on the top), then invert a serving platter onto the pot. Holding the platter against the pot, carefully invert the two together; leave the pot overturned on the platter and let rest for about 10 minutes. Slowly lift off the pot and, if needed, remove and discard the parchment.
16. Gently shake the platter to create cracks in the top of the finished dish.

Shrimp Creole

I served this tasty dish for our Mardi Gras dinner followed by our essential celebratory King Cake for dessert. It was festive and delicious.

I admittedly used Cajun seasoning instead of Creole Seasoning- gasp! After making the dish, I read about the similarities and differences between the Cajun and Creole cuisines. Both cuisines use a roux, the “holy trinity” composed of onions, bell peppers, and celery sautéed in oil, and both are from Southern Louisiana. Cajun food incorporates more smoked meats and rice, such as jambalaya, and is from more rural parts of the region whereas Creole cuisine, such as étouffée, is from New Orleans. I included the recipe for the homemade Creole seasoning below. (for next time!)

This recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Vallery Lomas. I modified the cooking times and doubled the garlic. I also used store-bought seasoning and omitted the dried basil. The shrimp was cooked perfectly.

Yield: Serves 4

For the Creole Seasoning: (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (I used large tail-on shrimp)
• 2 teaspoons homemade or store-bought Creole seasoning, divided (I used Slap ya Mama)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick / 4 T)
• 1/3 cup (5 T) all-purpose flour
• 1 medium or large yellow onion, finely chopped (I used a food processor)
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 4 to 8 garlic cloves, minced (I used a food processor)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (no salt added)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste (optional) (I used Frank’s Red Hot)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1/2 T fresh thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1/2 T fresh oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/2 T fresh basil)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems
• steamed rice, for serving (I used white Basmati rice)

1. Make the optional Creole seasoning: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir together. The seasoning makes about 1/4 cup; store it in a closed container in a cool, dry place. (Only 2 teaspoons are used in this dish.)
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Then toss the raw shrimp with 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning and set aside.
3. In a Dutch oven or large, heavy skillet with a lid, melt the butter over medium-low heat. (I used a low and wide enameled cast iron pot.)
4. Sprinkle the flour on top and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until a roux the color of peanut butter forms, about 5 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully- if the roux burns it cannot be saved.
5. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper, increase the heat to medium and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 8 minutes.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
7. Stir in 1/3 cup water, then the tomato sauce, hot sauce (if using), sugar, thyme, oregano, basil (if using), bay leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and the remaining 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
8. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally to make sure that the bottom doesn’t burn. (If needed, add more water.)
9. Once the stew has thickened, add the seasoned shrimp and simmer until opaque and cooked through, about 5 minutes, turning each piece halfway through the cooking time. Taste and adjust seasoning.
10. Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes, uncovered.
11. Serve over steamed rice sprinkled with sliced scallions and chopped parsley.