| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 347 | 22g | 5g | 3g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 0g | 30g | 0.70g |
Why I Love Israeli Grilled Chicken Thighs with Harissa Yogurt Sauce
There are few things more tantalizing in the culinary world than the interplay of smoky, savory spices against a backdrop of succulent chicken. Throw in a vibrant, zingy sauce and you’ve got a sensory symphony. This is precisely why I am enamored with this Israeli recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs with Harissa Yogurt Sauce. Culinary journeys around the world have piqued my love for diverse flavor profiles and this dish is no exception. It is a tender embrace of tradition and innovation, much like New York City, the place that I hold dear.
A tribute to cultural diversity
The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to encapsulate the diversity and dynamism of Israeli cuisine. Much like every performance on stage, each portion of the Grilled Chicken Thighs with Harissa Yogurt Sauce is a star in its own right, bursting with intense, nuanced flavors. This recipe was partly inspired by the innovative culinary techniques of renowned Israeli chef, Yotam Ottolenghi, whose emphasis on vibrant Middle Eastern flavors has had a major influence on global cuisine.
Complements to the character
This dish exudes a certain charisma, just like a memorable performance; it doesn’t need an elaborate supporting act. However, pairing it with a traditional Israeli couscous salad or a simple jewelled tabbouleh elevates the experience, adding an element of freshness to the spice-laden ensemble. In essence, the sumptuous grilled chicken cavorts with vivacious spices while the cooling Southern Mediterranean-inspired Harissa Yogurt Sauce finishes the act with aplomb, a telling analogy of a classic New York chef’s salute to Israeli cuisine.
Every time I adapt a recipe from a different culture, I feel a sense of gratitude for what it brings to my palate and to my cooking repertoire. This Grilled Chicken Thighs with Harissa Yogurt Sauce is a testament to that – a dish that’s born out of love for diverse culinary traditions, resonating with my ethos as a chef. And if you fall in love with it just as I did, it serves as a testament to our shared love for delectable food. As the saying goes, the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, isn’t it?
What You’ll Need
- 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the harissa yogurt sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- For garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the chicken. Ensure that your 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs are fully defrosted, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season them lightly with a mixture of 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Step Two
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once it’s heated, arrange the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a knife. Be sure to turn them only once to achieve the best grill marks.
Step Three
While your chicken is grilling, it’s time to prepare the harissa yogurt sauce. Combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of harissa paste, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to taste in a bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are well-incorporated.
Step Four
Check your chicken for doneness. Once thoroughly cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices redistribute back into the meat.
Step Five
Serve your grilled chicken thighs with a generous spoonful of harissa yogurt sauce. Sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley for garnish and provide lemon wedges on the side. Now you’re ready to enjoy your Grilled Chicken Thighs with Harissa Yogurt Sauce!
