A Metabolic Middle Eastern Feast, Perfect For Warm Summer Evenings
Throw a delicious and healthy dinner party with this gorgeous Middle Eastern dinner spread. These dishes, unlike their traditional counterparts, are low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and packed full of nutrient-dense vegetables. Enjoy tender chicken thighs with a luxurious tahini marinade, fresh grain-free tabbouleh, and an array of side dishes that make this feast one to remember.
Vegetarian options! Paleo, Ketogenic, and Metabolic.
Grilled Tahini Chicken Thighs (or Halloumi for Vegetarian Option)
Serves: 4
Prep Time: Overnight
Cook Time: 10 min.
Ingredients:
¼ cup tahini
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons avocado oil, or cooking oil of choice
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
Instructions:
In a large bowl, add all of the sauce ingredients and mix to combine. Set ¼ cup of the marinade aside in a separate small bowl. In the large bowl, add the chicken thighs. Cover bowl and let marinate overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through.
Transfer chicken onto a large plate and drizzle with reserved tahini dressing.
Chef’s Notes
For Halloumi, marinate in the same sauce and grill for 2 minutes on each side.
Low-Carb Tabbouleh
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 0 min.
Total Time: 10 min.
Ingredients:
5 cups cauliflower rice, cooked and cooled
1 tomato, diced
½ red onion, diced
1 English cucumber, diced
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Optional: dairy-free or organic feta cheese, cubed
2 lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the dressing by whisking all ingredients together until combined. Set aisde.
In a large bowl, add all tabbouleh ingredients and mix together. Pour dressing over the top, mix it altogether and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sides and Sauces
Hummus
Baba Ghanoush
Grain-Free Bread Slices
Raw Veggies for dipping
Marinated Chickpeas
