Instant Pot Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Sweetpotatoes, Kale, and Sorghum

Instant Pot Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Sweetpotatoes, Kale, and Sorghum

Serves 6

Ingredients:
6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon za’atar (see notes)
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus more for sprinkling
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 cups diced orange- or yellow/white-fleshed sweetpotatoes
1 cup peeled, diced apple
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup whole grain sorghum (see notes)
1 cup water
2 cups packed chopped kale

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle the chicken with the za’atar, salt, and pepper.

2. In an instant pot on the sauté setting, warm 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the chicken skin side down and cook until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn the chicken and brown the other side, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Warm the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the lemon juice and oregano and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the sweetpotatoes, apple, broth, sorghum, water, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken, skin side up, on top of the mixture. Secure the lid, making sure that the steam vent is closed. Switch to the pressure cooker setting and cook for 20 minutes.

4. Release the steam valve and open the lid. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Stir the kale into the mixture in the instant pot.

5. Arrange the sweetpotato and sorghum mixture on plates or a platter, top with the chicken, and serve.

Notes: Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend. Look for it in the spice section of your supermarket and at gourmet food stores.

For tips on buying and cooking with sorghum, visit www.simplysorghum.com.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Simply Sorghum

Sweetpotato, Sorghum, and Pomegranate Salad

Sweetpotato, Sorghum, and Pomegranate Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients:

For the dressing:
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 
2 teaspoons sorghum syrup (see notes)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup olive oil

For the sweetpotatoes:
3 pounds orange- or yellow/white-fleshed sweet potatoes, diced 
2 teaspoons olive oil or coconut oil 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the candied walnuts:
1 tablespoon sorghum syrup or maple syrup (see notes)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pound walnut halves

For the salad:
1 bunch kale 
3 cups cooked whole grain sorghum (see notes)
1 small red onion, quartered 
3 tablespoons hemp seeds 
1 cup pomegranate arils

Instructions:

1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, syrup, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic. Whisk in the oil and set aside.

2. Make the sweetpotatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetpotatoes, oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. Turn the sweetpotatoes and continue to bake until lightly brown and tender. Set aside to cool.

4. Make the candied walnuts: Reduce the oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment.

5. In a medium bowl, combine the syrup, oil, cinnamon, and ginger, stirring to mix well. Chop half of the walnuts, then add the chopped walnuts and walnut halves to the syrup mixture, stirring gently until thoroughly coated. Arrange the walnut mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.

6. Make the salad: In a large bowl, combine the kale with 3/4 of the dressing, using your hands to massage the dressing into the kale. Add the sorghum, onion, hemp seeds, pomegranate arils, sweetpotatoes, and 1/2 cup of the walnuts. Transfer to a serving bowl or plates, sprinkle with more walnuts, and serve.

Notes: For tips on buying and cooking with sorghum and sorghum syrup, visit www.simplysorghum.com.

To switch things up, try pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts or dried cranberries instead of pomegranate arils.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Simply Sorghum