Recipe: Paella with chicken, leeks and tarragon

Dietitian's tip: Paella is a Spanish dish that combines saffron-flavored rice, garlic, onions, peas, tomatoes, and meat or shellfish. In this version, tarragon is substituted for saffron and chicken stands in for chorizo (spicy sausage).

High fiber = at least 5 g of fiber per serving

Healthy carb = whole fruits & vegetables, at least 50% whole grains and no more than 1 tsp of sugar per serving

Low sodium = no more than 140 mg of sodium per serving

SERVES 4

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
2 leeks (whites only), thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips 1/2 inch wide and 2 inches long
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 red pepper, sliced
2/3 cup long-grain brown rice
1 teaspoon tarragon, or to taste
2 cups fat-free, unsalted chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges

Directions

In a large, nonstick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, leeks, garlic and chicken strips. Saute until the vegetables are translucent and chicken is slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and red pepper slices and continue to saute another 5 minutes. Add rice, tarragon and broth and combine well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 10 minutes. Stir in peas and continue to simmer uncovered until broth is absorbed and the rice is tender, 45 to 60 minutes.

To serve, divide onto individual plates. Garnish each with 1 tablespoon parsley and 1 lemon wedge.

Nutritional Analysis

(per serving)

Calories	345	Cholesterol	43 mg
Protein	22 g	Sodium	100 mg
Carbohydrate	48 g	Fiber	5 g
Total fat	7 g	Potassium	671 mg
Saturated fat	2 g	Calcium	88 mg
Monounsaturated fat	3 g