A pungent green herb with a great affinity for a variety of foods, from lamb to vegetables, stuffings and egg dishes. Oregano is closely related to marjoram. It is characteristic of many Greek dishes (particularly lamb) and in the UK is often sprinkled liberally on pizzas. Oregano grows easily in well protected areas in the UK.
Fresh oregano is a great antibacterial agent. It has phytonutrients which fight infections such as staph. It’s loaded with antioxidants that help prevent cell damage, and it’s an excellent source of fibre, vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin E, tryptophan and calcium.
Here is a beautiful recipe featuring oregano:
Easy Spanish Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (each about 150g/5½oz), sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow pepper, seeds removed, cut into 4cm/1½in pieces
- 1 courgette, trimmed, halved lengthways and cut into 1cm/½in slices
- 100g/3½oz cooking chorizo, sliced
- 100ml/3½fl oz red wine
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 400g tin butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried chilli flakes
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 160g/5¾oz long-grain rice
- 175g/6oz green beans, trimmed (optional)
- chopped fresh flatleaf parsley, to garnish
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
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Heat the oil in a large, non-stick frying pan or sauté pan. Add the chicken and season with the pepper. Fry for 2 minutes, stirring regularly.
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Transfer the chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon or spatula and add the onion, pepper, courgette and chorizo to the pan. Fry over a medium–high heat for 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
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Add the wine, tomatoes, butterbeans, tomato purée, oregano, chilli flakes and chicken stock cube to the pan. Refill the tomato tin with cold water, pour into the tomato mixture and stir. Season with a little salt and pepper.
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Bring the sauce to the boil, return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
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Meanwhile, half-fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add the rice and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until cooked.
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Place the green beans, if using, in a small saucepan of boiling water and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until tender. Drain the beans and the rice and set aside.
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Garnish with the parsley and serve immediately with the green beans and rice alongside.
Product photography is representative only. Weights and portions will be as stated.
