Ankara Tava with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless 500g (1.1 lb) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
• 3 tomatoes, diced 3 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they start to soften and caramelize.
4. 4.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. 5.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.
7. 7.
   Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs before cooking to achieve a leaner and healthier dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes to the dish.
• Serve Ankara Tava with a side of yogurt to balance out the flavors.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of bell peppers for added color and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the dish.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

Serving advice

Ankara Tava is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Accompany it with a side of fluffy rice or warm bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To present Ankara Tava beautifully, arrange the chicken thighs on a platter and spoon the caramelized vegetables and sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for an elegant touch. Serve with a side of rice or bread on a separate plate to complete the presentation.