Circassian Harees with a Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Boko boko harees from Chadian cuisine is transformed into a Circassian delight by incorporating Circassian spices and flavors. The traditional Chadian dish is typically made with cracked wheat and meat, while the Circassian version adds a distinct blend of spices and garnishes, resulting in a unique flavor profile that pays homage to Circassian culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Boko boko harees, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) cracked wheat 1 cup (185g) cracked wheat
• 500g boneless chicken, cut into small pieces 500g boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup (30g) toasted almonds, for garnish 1/4 cup (30g) toasted almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the cracked wheat thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the soaked cracked wheat, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken and wheat with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender and the cracked wheat is soft and creamy.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, use a hand blender or food processor to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Serve the Circassian Harees hot, garnished with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cracked wheat — Make sure to rinse the cracked wheat thoroughly before soaking to remove any impurities. This will ensure a clean and smooth texture in the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a delicious plant-based twist.
• Adjust the spices according to your preference. Add more cinnamon for a warmer flavor or increase the nutmeg for a slightly earthy taste.
• To enhance the richness, you can add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top before serving.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for added freshness.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of water or broth while reheating to maintain the desired consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Circassian Harees as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a comforting dish on its own.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle some ground cinnamon or paprika on top of the dish before garnishing with toasted almonds. Serve it in a shallow bowl, allowing the creamy texture to shine.