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Chicken and Eggplant Ragout

chicken and eggplant

Travel pushes me to look at my own life in a new way and I think that may be its biggest payoff. Certainly in the moment, when I’m walking the streets, smelling the smells and hearing the sounds I am blissfully happy to be right there, right smack-dab in the middle of Madrid. But, back home in Wisconsin I find myself looking for ways to relive the Spanish experience. As soon as I walked in the house and surveyed the empty refrigerator I began to imagine meals with a Spanish influence…nothing overt…no big productions, just a little bit of flavor here and there.

A quick stop at the market replenished our refrigerator with fresh fruit and vegetables and even provided a gorgeous eggplant. Not wanting to let my Spanish vibe slide away I concocted a quick meal that actually succeeded in recreating a bit of the Spanish flavor. I applied liberal amounts of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices to a ragout of chicken, eggplant, and chickpeas. Served alongside some steamed rice it was a pleasant meal for a weary traveler. The flavors were bright and balanced and it’s easy to put together…perfect for a week night supper.

Chicken and Eggplant Ragout
(printer-friendly recipe)

2 chicken breast (boneless), diced
1 medium eggplant, diced
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 small onion, minced
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp allepo pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1/3 cup green olives, rough chopped
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, wait 30 seconds and add the chicken. Saute until lightly golden, add the lemon juice and stir. Add the onion, allspice, ginger, allepo pepper, and paprika and saute for a few minutes. Add the eggplant, tossing to mix it into the chicken mix, cover and let it simmer for 5 minutes or so until the eggplant is almost cooked through. Add the chick peas and olives and simmer for about 5 minutes, taste for seasoning and adjust. Serve over steamed rice.

April 1, 2009 | Filed Under Madrid, beans, beef, fish, poultry, pork, food, geek fast food, quick and easy, recipe, rice and other grains, spicy, vegetable 

comments

7 Responses to “Chicken and Eggplant Ragout”

  1. John on April 2nd, 2009

    Welcome back!

  2. Flaime on April 2nd, 2009

    Ooh! You’re back!

  3. Trig on April 2nd, 2009

    Seen your photos on Facebook but looking forward to a post about your Spanish experiences.

  4. Margie on April 2nd, 2009

    I was surprised and delighted to find your post in my feed reader. The Madrid food photos are amazing. Looking forward to more Spanish inspired recipes like this one… particularly that pastry!

  5. Allie on April 3rd, 2009

    This looks delicious! Good to see you’re back!

  6. Sophie on April 4th, 2009

    This dish looks so delicious!! I love aubergine!!!

  7. Sophie on April 4th, 2009

    This dish looks so delicious!! I love aubergine!!! MMMMMM…

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