Can't Believe It's Allergy Free!

This is an easy-to- prepare meal.  It combines the nutrition of chicken with the goodness of veggies and the comfort carbs of rice.  Add a simple green leafy salad to enhance wholesomeness.  What can be better than something so healthy and perfectly delicious?

Ingredients

4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (use leg, thigh and breast pieces if you like)

1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, preferably basmati

2 cups chicken stock

1 cup water

1 cup tomato puree

1 large onion, finely sliced

1 cup frozen peas (or shelled fresh peas)

1 cup finely chopped carrots

1/2 cup sliced olives

1/2 cup tightly packed grated cheese (optional)

3 Tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried chopped basil

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt to taste

Method

Apply garlic, salt and pepper to chicken pieces

Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan, swirl it around, and gently place chicken pieces

Cook covered on medium heat for about 5 minutes

Turn over and cook for a further 5 minutes or until both sides are lightly browned

Turn off heat.

Wash and drain rice

In another saucepan heat the remaining olive oil and add sliced onions

When onions are soft and translucent, add rice

Saute rice for about 2 minutes or until slightly brown

Add vegetables, saute for a minute more, remove from heat

Transfer sauted rice and veggies onto chicken pieces in saucepan.

Heat broth and water in microwave, or heat in small saucepan while preparing rice and veggie mixture

Pour hot liquid over chicken and rice.

Add paprika, basil and cayenne pepper

Cook uncovered on medium heat for 5-7 minutes

When rice is partly fluffy and most of the water has been absorbed, add tomato puree and half the cheese

Turn heat to low, and cook covered for about 3-4 minutes, top with remaining cheese, cover again and cook for 2 minutes more, or until all liquid has been absorbed.

Turn off heat.  Wait for about 5 minutes before removing lid.

Serve immediately while hot.