Chicken with Watercress and Bulgar Wheat

This simple dish offers a chorus of freshness, flavour and texture as spiced chicken, crunchy nuts, and sweet, tangy cherries sing out from the plate

Preparation time :	10 minutes
Cooking time :	25 minutes to 30 minutes
Total time :	35 minutes to 45 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, skinless
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds, lightly crushed
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
150g bulgar wheat
75g dried cherries
50g watercress, chopped
25g marcona almonds, toasted
25g pistachios, shelled
½ unwaxed lemon, juice and grated zest

Method

1. Put the chicken breasts in a mixing bowl and toss with the garlic, spices and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until coated. Set aside to marinate.
2. Meanwhile, put the bulgar wheat in a saucepan with 750ml boiling water and simmer for 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain and tip into a mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining ingredients along with the remaining oil, then season.
3. Place a frying pan over a high heat and add the chicken, then turn the heat to medium. Cook for 6–7 minutes each side until the juices run clear. Rest for a couple of minutes, then slice and arrange on top of the bulgar wheat.

Drinks recommendation

A light red, chilled, is ideal here, and what better than a cherry-scented valpolicella?