Our blessed month of fasting instils upon us a calm and discipline like no other time of the year. In the UK, our fasting days are nearing 19 hours as we endeavour to go about our everyday lives to the best of our ability, whilst abstaining from all food and water. During this time we also engage in increased activities of prayer and recitation of our Holy Quran with the aim of receiving more spiritual reward and enlightenment.
Our preparation for ‘iftari’ forms a significant part of the day where we lovingly prepare our evening meal to break our fast at sunset. Much thought goes into the menu which traditionally comprises a variety of offerings, differing widely in the various regions across the globe, but typically including dates, fruit, intricately prepared savoury and sweet snack items together with a main dish and side.
I am no exception to this tradition. Each day I look forward to lovingly planning and preparing an iftari treat for my family. One such dish made earlier this week was this Nando’s style chicken based on a recipe I was introduced to by Cucina Restaurants whom I was employed by as the Cook in a primary school, responsible for feeding 200+ hungry little bellies each day.
I chose to serve the dish as an entrée fusion platter-for-four where tender strips chicken breast were laid on a bed of fragrant pilau rice with steamed herby potatoes.
Here is the basic recipe for the chicken which can of course be presented in any way you feel inspired 😊
Nando’s-style Chicken
Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 60 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, approx 250g each
4 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp lemon juice
1 large onion, cut into eighths
2-3 cloves garlic
2 tsp paprika
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp sugar
1.5 tsp ground cumin
1.5 tsp crushed chilli
3 tsp mixed herbs
1/4 cup tomato purée
How to cook
1. Place all ingredients except the chicken into blender and blend until you have a smooth marinade.
2. Score the chicken and then coat well with the blended mixture. Cover and refrigerate for an 1-2 hours.
3. Heat the oven to a low temperature. Cover tightly with foil and cook for 40 minutes.
4. Turn the heat up to medium and cook for another 15-20 minutes and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Serving suggestion: Serve with roast potatoes or on a bed of lemon couscous or pilau rice. Top with fresh, chopped coriander.
