HEALTHY AFRICAN DISHES

A very healthy and exotic way to prepare chicken. Goes great with couscous and a fresh green salad.
INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (the best quality you can get)
1/4 cup chopped scallion (, white part only)
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Directions:

1. Combine oil, scallions, parsley, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, turmeric and cayenne pepper in the container of a food processor.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Rub the mixture on both sides of the chicken breasts and let stand 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the grill to medium hot.
5. Grill chicken breasts 5-7 minutes on each side, or until done

This satisfying vegetarian, sweet potato soup is inspired by the flavors of West African peanut soup. We like the added zip of hot green chiles, but they can sometimes be very spicy. It’s best to take a small bite first and add them to taste. Try chopped peanuts and scallions for a different garnish. Serve with a mixed green salad with vinaigrette.

 

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes (10-12 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups reduced-sodium tomato-vegetable juice blend or tomato juice
• 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles, preferably hot, drained
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 15-ounce can vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish. 

• Preparation

• Prick sweet potatoes in several places with a fork. Microwave on High until just cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until it just begins to brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Stir in juice, green chiles, ginger and allspice. Adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently; cook for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel the sweet potatoes and chop into bite-size pieces. Add half to the pot. Place the other half in a food processor or blender along with broth and peanut butter. Puree until completely smooth. Add the puree to the pot and stir well to combine. Thin the bisque with water, if desired. Season with pepper. Heat until hot. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
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