Heart-Healthy Rechta

Elevate your comfort food game with this Heart-Healthy Rechta, a wholesome twist on the traditional North African noodle dish. Made with nutritious whole grain rechta noodles, lean chicken breast, and a medley of vibrant vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, this recipe is as nourishing as it is flavorful. A fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a hint of cayenne pepper infuses the dish with warm, earthy spices, while low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light and heart-conscious. Ready in just an hour, this one-pot meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, offering a satisfying balance of fiber, protein, and bold, delicious flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this guilt-free take on a classic will leave your taste buds and your heart happy!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Whole grain rechta noodles
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 400 grams Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large Carrot, diced
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 500 milliliters Low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 whole Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole grain rechta noodles according to package instructions, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides.

Step 6

Add the diced carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8

Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while stirring to combine the ingredients.

Step 9

Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Step 10

Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Step 12

Gently fold the cooked rechta noodles into the pot and heat through for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 13

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy Rechta warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1916.4 grams (1916.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2564

Total Fat 56.20g	72%
Saturated Fat 10.90g	55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 340mg	113%
Sodium 2959mg	129%
Total Carbohydrate 328.40g	119%
Dietary Fiber 44.90g	160%
Total Sugars 31.60g
Protein 185.50g	371%

Vitamin D 20IU	100%
Calcium 355mg	27%
Iron 21mg	118%
Potassium 3545mg	75%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.7%

Protein: 29.0%

Carbs: 51.3%