Making Traditional Egyptian Dinner: Pasta & Fried Chicken

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner while chicken thighs are more economical.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: regular pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while regular pasta is often cheaper.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is typically less expensive.

spices

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Fresh herbs can enhance flavor without added calories, while dried are often cheaper.

Slice chicken breast fillets into thinner fillets.

Tenderize the chicken and transfer to a bowl.

Season chicken with fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper; mix well.

Fry diced onions with minced garlic in olive oil until browned and fragrant.

Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste; season with ground coriander, ground cumin, and sea salt; mix and cook for 5-7 minutes before adding a splash of water.

Use an immersion blender to smooth the tomato sauce and let it simmer until thickened.

Add sea salt to boiling water and cook ditalini pasta for about 8 minutes.

Add cooked ditalini pasta to the tomato sauce along with some pasta water.

Prepare three bowls: one with flour and seasonings, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs.

Lightly coat the chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in bread crumbs.

Shallow fry the chicken in neutral oil for a few minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Serve the pasta alongside the fried chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary