Fragrant chicken, pumpkin and lentil parcels

Indulge in these fragrant chicken, pumpkin, and lentil parcels, a delightful blend of tender chicken thighs, creamy pumpkin, and protein-packed lentils. Enhanced with aromatic spices like cinnamon, paprika, and cumin, and complemented by the richness of cashews and chicken gravy, this recipe promises a fusion of flavors in every bite. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep staple.

  • 14 Mar 2024
  • Cook time 35 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 10 Ingredients

Fragrant chicken, pumpkin and lentil parcels

Experience the delicious combination of flavors with these fragrant chicken, pumpkin, and lentil parcels. This dish brings together the wholesome goodness of chicken, the sweetness of pumpkin, and the earthiness of lentils, all wrapped in a tasty package. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting meal, these parcels are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cashew
72g
1 cup white rice
230g
1 cup canned lentils
200g
4 chicken thighs
400g
4 cups pumpkin
480g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
2 tsp cinnamon
6g
1 tsp paprika
5g
1 tsp ground cumin
5g
1.50 cups chicken gravy
300g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Rice:
Cook the white rice according to the package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
4. Toast the Cashews:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews until golden brown. This should take about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once toasted, set aside to cool.
5. Roast the Pumpkin:
Place the diced pumpkin on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon, paprika, and ground cumin. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
6. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 1 tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with the remaining cinnamon, paprika, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Assemble the Parcels:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, lentils, roasted pumpkin, and cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken gravy and mix well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
8. Prepare Wrapping Sheets:
Cut parchment paper or aluminum foil into large squares (approximately 12x12 inches). Place a portion of the mixture into the center of each sheet.
9. Fold the Parcels:
Carefully fold the edges of the parchment paper or foil over the filling to create a sealed parcel. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
10. Bake the Parcels:
Place the sealed parcels on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to heat through thoroughly.
11. Serve:
Carefully open the parcels (be cautious of the hot steam) and serve immediately. Enjoy your fragrant chicken, pumpkin, and lentil parcels!

Tips:

- Toast the cashews before adding them to enhance their flavor.

- Cook the rice with a bit of salt for added taste.

- Drain and rinse the canned lentils to remove excess sodium.

- Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for ease of cooking.

- Cut the pumpkin into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

- Mix the spices – cinnamon, paprika, and cumin – together before adding to ensure even distribution of flavors.

- Thicken the chicken gravy if it's too thin by simmering it for a longer time.

- Preheat the oven to ensure that the parcels cook evenly.

- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

These fragrant chicken, pumpkin, and lentil parcels are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. The spices blend beautifully to create a warm and comforting dish that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy them as a main course for any meal and watch them become a favorite in your household.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size430 grams
Energy
Calories 680kcal27%
Protein
Protein 30g20%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 80g22%
Fiber 7g19%
Sugar 6g6%
Fat
Fat 33g37%
Saturated 7g25%
Cholesterol 100mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 570ug63%
Choline 90mg16%
Vitamin B1 0.62mg51%
Vitamin B2 0.44mg34%
Vitamin B3 9mg56%
Vitamin B6 0.70mg41%
Vitamin B9 260ug65%
Vitamin B12 0.62ug26%
Vitamin C 12mg13%
Vitamin E 2.29mg15%
Vitamin K 13ug11%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 100mg8%
Copper, Cu 0.91mg0%
Iron, Fe 8mg74%
Magnesium, Mg 120mg29%
Phosphorus, P 480mg39%
Potassium, K 1060mg31%
Selenium, Se 33ug58%
Sodium, Na 380mg26%
Zinc, Zn 4.19mg38%
Water
Water 290g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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