Dominican Baked Red Lentil Moro with Oregano Chicken, Roasted Calabaza and Crispy Cassava Flatbread

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 425 °F / 220 °C. In a bowl, mix the chicken with 2 tablespoons of sour orange juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, the sweet paprika, ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

2. 2

   On a baking tray, toss the calabaza cubes with 1 teaspoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Roast at 425 °F / 220 °C for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender and browned on the edges. Set aside.

3. 3

   Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sear the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once, until nicely browned on the outside. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same pan, reduce to medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the red onion, sweet peppers, and the rest of the garlic for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute more.

5. 5

   Add the long-grain rice, red lentils, and bay leaf. Stir for 1 minute so they absorb the sofrito flavors. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, remaining sour orange juice, the remaining 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and the rest of the black pepper.

6. 6

   When the liquid begins to simmer gently, add half of the fresh cilantro and arrange the seared chicken on top. Cover the skillet, or transfer everything to a tightly covered baking dish.

7. 7

   Bake at 375 °F / 190 °C for 25 minutes. Uncover, add the roasted calabaza over the rice, and gently fluff only the top layer so the lentils do not break down too much.

8. 8

   Scatter the cassava flatbread pieces over the top and return to the oven, uncovered, at 375 °F / 190 °C for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the cassava is crisp.

9. 9

   Remove the bay leaf. Let rest for 5 minutes out of the oven. Finish with the remaining fresh cilantro and serve hot.