Harissa (Armenian Wheat and Chicken Porridge)
Harissa (Armenian Wheat and Chicken Porridge) is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, nutty wheat berries, and spicy harissa paste into a creamy, satisfying porridge. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this easy-to-make recipe offers layers of flavor that will leave everyone craving more. With its comforting aroma and versatility, you can serve it as a main dish or side while customizing it to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Armenian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup whole wheat berries
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the wheat berries under cold water and set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- Add chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the rinsed wheat berries and harissa paste until well combined.
- Pour in the chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 45 minutes until wheat berries are tender but chewy.
- Serve warm in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for chickpeas. - Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition. - Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of harissa used.