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mojo chicken meatballs with tomato bacon couscous
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Chicken Meatballs with Mojo sauce and Tomato bacon Israeli Couscous

Tender chicken meatballs paired with a vibrant avocado mojo sauce and fresh tomato bacon Israeli Couscous is a super satisfying summer meal, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, its light, zesty, and full of delicious flavors.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp chipotle powder
  • 1 tbsp chicken bouillon seasoning
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp cumin powder
  • 1/3 cup ritz crackers crushed
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk or milk
  • olive oil for cooking
  • 4-6 slices bacon diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, loose halved
  • 340g Israeli Couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed
  • 2 serrano chilies
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 bunch cilantro , small
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • kosher salt to season
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 avocado

serve

  • cilantro
  • pickled red onions
  • thin jalapenos rounds

Instructions

  • to make the meatballs, in a large bowl combine the ground chicken with the spices; garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chicken seasoning, salt, pepper, chipotle, crushed ritz and milk. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Splash a touch of oil into the palm of your hand and roll out the meatballs into 1-2inch balls and place on a large tray. Makes roughly 20.
  • Mojo sauce: in a blender or food processor combine chilies, salt, pepper, cumin, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cilantro, sugar and avocado. Blitz until combined. Chill until ready to serve.
  • In a large cast iron skillet or oven proof dish, Heat over medium. Once hot, add cooking oil and sear the meatballs on all sides until golden and browned about 7 minutes. Transfer to the oven or onto a baking tray and cook at 325 degrees F for 18 minutes.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced bacon. Cook until the bacon begins to render about 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and continue to cook. Once the bacon is crispy, remove both from the pan and set aside. To the same pan, add the couscous and stir to toast and coat in the drippings for 3 minutes. One toasted, cover with chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until fluffy about 8 minutes or according to package instructions. Fluff and return the bacon and tomatoes to the couscous, stirring to incorporate throughout. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
  • The meatballs should be roughly ready at the same time. Pull those out of the oven and double check they are fully cooked.
  • To serve: spread a generous amount of mojo sauce across the bottom of each plate, top with meatballs, and spoon the couscous alongside. Garnish as desired and enjoy.