Lebanese Chicken Salad


 

Chicken

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  1 teaspoon ground sumac or 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)

Salad

  • 2 large pita breads, split horizontally
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 large romaine lettuce heart, cut crosswise into 1-inch strips
  • 1 pound ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1/2 small European cucumber—peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup purslane or watercress leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped mint
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground sumac or 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

In a blender, combine the olive oil, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, sumac, coriander and cayenne; puree until smooth. Pour the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, seal the bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade; reserve the marinade. Grill the thighs over a medium-hot fire, turning occasionally and brushing with the marinade until browned and cooked through, about 18 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Preheat the oven to 300°. Bake the pitas directly on the rack for 10 minutes, or until dry and crisp but not browned. Let cool, then break into 1-inch pieces.

In a bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the vinegar and mustard. Slowly whisk in the canola and olive oils until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, purslane, mint and sumac with 1/2 cup of the dressing. Add the pita pieces and toss; add more dressing if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the salad to a platter, top with the chicken and pass the remaining dressing separately.

 ENJOY YOUR MEAL

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