American-Style Ojakhuri

Ingredients

In this American adaptation of Ojakhuri, we incorporate American flavors and ingredients to create a dish that suits the American palate. The original Georgian Ojakhuri typically uses traditional Georgian spices and herbs, which we replace with a blend of herbs commonly found in American cuisine. Additionally, we incorporate American vegetables like bell peppers and peas to enhance the flavors and add a touch of freshness. We alse have the original recipe for Ojakhuri, so you can check it out.

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Add the rice, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice and vegetables with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. 5.
   Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture, skin-side up. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the peas are heated through.
7. 7.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
8. 8.
   Serve the American-Style Ojakhuri hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — Make sure to sear the chicken thighs until golden brown to enhance the flavor and create a crispy skin.
• Long-grain rice — Rinse the rice before using to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Bell pepper — Feel free to use different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Frozen peas — Thaw the peas before adding them to the dish to ensure even cooking and to preserve their vibrant color.
• Dried herbs — If you prefer, you can use fresh thyme and oregano instead of dried. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs for 1-2 hours before cooking.
• Customize the dish by adding other vegetables like corn, green beans, or zucchini.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dish.
• To make the dish more indulgent, sprinkle grated cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking and broil until melted and golden.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Serving advice

Serve American-Style Ojakhuri as a complete meal on its own or pair it with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded dinner. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of American-Style Ojakhuri, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the golden-brown chicken will make the dish visually appealing.