What is pearl cous cous?
It looks, feels and tastes like a grain but it’s actually a little spherical pasta. I love it and use it for so many things. If you can’t find it, don’t stress. This recipe will work really well with orzo or your favourite small pasta shape. I don’t think it would work so well with traditional small cous cous as the sauce might be a bit much for it to handle. But another grain like pearl barley could work which would have a nice chew to it. Orzo is the nearest like for like swap.

Make it quicker
Chicken thighs come in varying sizes - the smaller ones can be perfectly cooked at 35-40 minutes whereas the bigger ones can take a good 50 mins. I never normally mind waiting for chicken thighs as they are worth it, but you can be strategic with the thighs you choose depending on how much time you have. You don’t have to use bone in chicken thighs, you can also do this with diced breast or thigh. Simply marinate the chicken in the olive oil, harissa and honey and season well. If you can leave this for 30 minutes, even better. Then fry the chicken in a pan in a frying pan over medium heat until cooked through. The outside should get a little charred but don’t let it burn! Should only take 5 minutes or so depending on how big your chunks are.

Swaps for tzatiki
I also love this with tahini, for this I would mix a few spoons of tahini with a tablespoon of boiling water, add some lemon juice and once cool stir it through thick greek yogurt. Yum. Or use a dollop of your favourite houmous. Or even a dollop of ricotta would be very nice. I love adding something cool and creamy to dishes like this as it just elevates the whole thing.

That’s