Recipes from a Monastery Kitchen
SISTERS OF THE COMMUNITY OF JESUS
Since the 1970’s, we have prepared hundreds (if not thousands!) of meals here at the Community of Jesus on Cape Cod, and at our mission house, Villa Via Sacra, in Barga, Italy. We believe that food nourishes body, soul, and spirit, and that even the simplest meal, prepared with love, can change your life. At the heart of our call to kitchen and table lie the words of Saint Benedict: “Welcome all as Christ.” This premise has led us on many culinary adventures, which we now gladly share with you!
FAST AND EASY WEEKDAY CHICKEN
Last week some unexpected changes in the convent work areas resulted in a brand new kitchen staff with fresh
new ideas and increased emphasis on healthy wholesome meals that will be simpler and require less
preparation time. The two cooks assigned to the first new meal had no advanced time to plan a menu or
select a recipe, and were simply told to use chicken breasts, rice pilaf, two vegetables and pantry ingredients of
choice.
new ideas and increased emphasis on healthy wholesome meals that will be simpler and require less
preparation time. The two cooks assigned to the first new meal had no advanced time to plan a menu or
select a recipe, and were simply told to use chicken breasts, rice pilaf, two vegetables and pantry ingredients of
choice.
Dinnertime found the sisters enjoying a bright colorful delightfully seasoned meal with a different look and
flavor than our usual chicken dinners. Low in fat yet surprisingly full of flavor this cheerful meal was a promise
of very good things to come out of our convent kitchen, and we eagerly look forward to our meals as a result of
this change!
flavor than our usual chicken dinners. Low in fat yet surprisingly full of flavor this cheerful meal was a promise
of very good things to come out of our convent kitchen, and we eagerly look forward to our meals as a result of
this change!
SERVINGS4-6servingsCHANGE SERVING SIZEservings | COOK TIME30mins | PREP TIME5mins | READY IN35mins |
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 6 vine ripe tomatoes
- 1 can black olives pitted
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt (or onion salt)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F)
- Sautee onion and garlic in a pan over medium heat until the onions become translucent.
- Add tomatoes and olives to the pan and stir together, and transfer into an oven-safe pan.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the olive and tomato mixture.
- Mix salt, paprika, cumin and pepper in a separate bowl and sprinkle over chicken.
- Bake the chicken in the oven until juices run clear, 25-30 minutes.
- Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley.
