Rechta with Creamy Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Rechta, we have incorporated Western American flavors and ingredients to create a fusion dish. The original Algerian Rechta typically uses lamb or beef as the protein, but we have replaced it with chicken to cater to the Western American palate. Additionally, we have added a creamy sauce made with chicken broth and cream, which is not traditionally used in Algerian cuisine. The inclusion of colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and peas adds a vibrant touch to the dish, enhancing both its flavor and appearance. We alse have the original recipe for Rechta, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 250g (8.8 oz) rechta noodles (can be substituted with fettuccine) 250g (8.8 oz) rechta noodles (can be substituted with fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rechta noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and stir well to coat.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Add the julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, and frozen peas to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the creamy chicken and vegetables over a bed of cooked rechta noodles.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
• Rechta noodles — If rechta noodles are not available, you can substitute them with fettuccine noodles, which have a similar texture and shape.
• Bell pepper — Feel free to use a mix of different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Lemon juice — Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference. Add more for a tangier flavor or reduce it for a milder taste.
• Fresh herbs — Use either parsley or cilantro based on your preference or availability.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture.
• To make the dish more colorful, you can add other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even more delicious.
• Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Chicken Rechta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious creamy sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the cooked rechta noodles on a large serving platter. Place the creamy chicken and vegetables on top of the noodles, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for an added touch of green.