Moroccan inspired chicken and lentils

If your lentils are not pre-cooked, then follow the relevant instructions for cooking them, and put them in the fridge to cool for at least an hour.

Slice the chicken breasts into thin (5-6mm) slices about 4-6cm long and place to the side. Slice the red onion in to long thin slices. Chop the spring onions diagonally into thin slices. Peel and finely chop the garlic, or use a garlic crusher if you have one. Chop the tomatoes into small chunks.

Thoroughly wash the rice and add to a pan with 2.5 cups of cold water. Bring the water to the boil and boil for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes reduce the heat to low and cover the rice with a lid. Allow to gently simmer with the lid on for a further 10 minutes. Remove from the heat but do not remove the lid (try to avoid peeking and letting out all the steam). Set aside for 15 minutes. You can proceed to the next step whilst the rice is cooking.

Heat half the oil in a large heavy bottomed frying pan and when hot add the sliced chicken. Allow the chicken to whiten all around, frequently turning the pieces to ensure even cooking. When you cannot see any more pink chicken add the chilli powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix around with the chicken and cook for a further 3-4 minutes on a medium heat, stirring frequently. The chicken should take on some of the colour of the paprika.

Make a space in the centre of the pan (pushing the chicken to the edges) and add the remaining oil. Heat briefly and then add the onions, garlic, thyme, oregano, and parsley. Stir the onion and herb mixture in the centre of the pan and fry gently until the onions begin to soften and the herbs are fragrant.

Add the chopped tomato and tomato purée to the pan and mix together the contents of the pan. Fry on a medium heat for 1-2 minutes and then add the chicken stock, lentils and raisins.

Simmer the contents of the pan on a medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until the majority of the liquid has gone, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from sticking and burning.

Serve the rice and chicken and enjoy!