This is a twist on one of my all time favourite go-to minimal effort meals. In the past I've used ground beef but I was surprised how much I enjoyed this lighter chicken version.
Don't be alarmed if you're not familiar with the spice blend baharat. There are plenty of tasty alternatives in the variations below.
enough for 2
takes: 10 minutes
450g (1lb) minced (ground) chicken
2 teaspoons baharat or ground cumin
handful sliced almonds (optional)
8-10 tablespoons hummus
1 bag baby spinach, to serve
1. Heat a large frying pan on a high heat. Add a few tablespoons oil and the chicken. Cook chicken, breaking up as you go until the chicken is no longer pink and nicely browned.
2. Toss in the spice and cook for another 30 seconds or so. Taste and season with salt and more spice, if needed.
3. To serve, divide hummus between 2 plates. Top with spiced chicken, almonds (if using) and baby spinach.
Variations
no baharat - you can order this delicious lebanese spice blend online or just substitute ground cumin on its own. Another favourite alternative is equal parts ground cumin, ground coriander and smoked paprika.
vegetarian / vegan - replace chicken with the same weight of cooked lentils. Or try cooked chickpeas. or replace chicken with grilled veg such as eggplant, zucchini and peppers.
home made hummus - whizz a drained can of chickpeas with 3 tablespoons lemon juice, canning liquid (or water) and tahini. Add a crushed clove of garlic if you like.
more substantial / carb lovers - serve with pita bread, warm tortillas, couscous or cooked brown rice.
paleo - serve with sweet potato hummus or try cauliflower hummus.
more veg - lovely with grilled veg such as eggplant, zucchini and peppers. You could also soften an onion before cooking the chicken and toss in a few handfuls of halved cherry tomatoes.
hot! - toss in a few chopped chillies to cook with the chicken.
different meat - lovely with ground beef or lamb.
low carb - replace hummus with cauliflower hummus.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
minced (ground) chicken - freeze it.
baharat or ground cumin / sliced almonds - keep them in the pantry.
hummus – will keep in the fridge for a few weeks. Can be frozen.
baby spinach – either pop them in the freezer or wilt down in a covered pot with a little olive oil. This way they’ll keep in the fridge for a few weeks.
Problem Solving Guide
dry - minced chicken does tend to be pretty low fat. Balance this with a big drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
bland - use more spice and/or salt. A splash of lemon or lime juice at the table can also bring things to life.
too much spice - difficult to fix! Best strategy is dilution so try serving with more hummus or salad. Next time be more cautious when adding the spice.
Serving Suggestions
Lovely on its own or with warm pita bread or tortillas.