Harissa Roasted Chicken and Veg | A Comforting Recipe when Preparing for Pregnancy

Luteal Phase Recipe | Nutritious Dinner Idea

Feeds: 2 (with leftover chicken for our chicken stir-fry recipe) | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 75 mins | Total Time: 85 mins

Looking for an easy, comforting dinner that supports your fertility health and preparing for pregnancy? This delicious and nutrient-packed harissa roasted chicken and veg recipe is ideal for the luteal phase. It’s loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying yet wholesome option during this crucial time in your cycle.

The star of the dish is harissa, a spicy North African paste that combines roasted red peppers, chilli peppers, and fragrant spices. Not only does harissa warm your body in preparation for a healthy bleed, but it also adds a flavourful punch to your meal. Paired with hearty root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, this dish helps balance your hormones and supports your digestive system.

Even better, it’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for when you’re tired and want something quick and comforting without much fuss. Plus, it leaves plenty of leftover chicken, which you can use for tomorrow’s easy chicken stir-fry lunch recipe!

Ingredients 

When it comes to fertility awareness, knowing what to eat during the luteal phase can make a significant difference in supporting your body’s needs. This phase is all about nourishing your body with foods that help balance hormones and sustain energy. 

The ingredients in this harissa roasted chicken and veg recipe are chosen specifically to align with those needs. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes provide slow-releasing energy, while the healthy fats from the olive oil and the spices in the harissa paste promote circulation and warmth. 

These ingredients are not only comforting but also excellent for preparing for pregnancy, giving your body the nutrients it needs to function optimally during this phase.

• 1.6 kg whole chicken – A lean source of protein

• 2 large potatoes, chopped into rough chunks – Rich in potassium and fibre

• 2 large carrots, chopped into thick rounds – Packed with vitamins A and C

• A handful of green beans with ends removed – High in antioxidants and fibre

• 1 red onion, peeled and chopped into quarters – Supports immune health

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled – Offers anti-inflammatory properties

• 4 heaped teaspoons rose harissa paste – Adds spice and flavour

• 4 sprigs of fresh parsley for garnish – Adds a fresh, vibrant finish

• 2 tbsp olive oil – Provides healthy fats and helps with cooking

• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning

Step-by-Step Dinner Preparation

When focusing on natural fertility, it’s important to understand how your dietary choices can support the body’s needs. Preparing for pregnancy requires a holistic approach, including paying attention to the foods you eat. 

Before diving into the steps to take before you get pregnant, it's helpful to build meals rich in nutrients needed to support hormonal balance and reproductive health. By embracing your fertility awareness, you can better time your nutrition to the specific phases of your cycle. 

One of the advantages of fertility awareness is understanding how to align your meals with the luteal phase when your body needs warmth and energy to prepare for a potential pregnancy. Cooking methods like roasting and incorporating warming spices, such as those in this harissa chicken dish, are perfect for supporting your body's natural rhythm.

Let’s get started! 

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas mark 4.

2. Parboil the vegetables: Place the chopped potatoes and carrots in a pan of salty water and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes until you can pierce the veg with a fork, but they aren’t too soft. Drain and place the green beans, onions, and garlic in a deep baking tray.

3. Season the veg: Drizzle the veg with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and spread evenly over the baking tray.

4. Prepare the chicken: Carefully cut down the back of the chicken with a sharp knife to open it out flat, then score the legs. If you’re feeling adventurous, rub some harissa under the chicken's skin; if not, rub it generously over the skin. Season with sea salt and black pepper, ensuring you get into all the nooks and crannies.

5. Roast the chicken: Place the chicken skin-side on top of the vegetables and roast everything for about 75 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Serve and garnish: Divide the veg onto two plates and top with a generous helping of roasted chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley.

7. Save leftovers: Let the remaining chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container for tomorrow’s chicken stir fry recipe.

Tips and Variations

• The leftover chicken and veg freeze well for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal prep!

• Make a light chicken broth from the leftover carcass for a delicious, nutrient-packed soup.

• Feel free to add more vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips for variety.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

And for the calorie counters—here’s the nutritional breakdown to keep everything in check!

• Calories: Approximately 600 kcal

• Fat: 30 g

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Protein: 45 g

You Might Also Like:

• Delicious Scrambled Eggs and Baked Portobello Mushrooms with Melted Goat Cheese | A Breakfast to Support and Manage Ovulation Symptoms

• Healthy Salmon with Broccoli Miso Quinoa | A How To Help Ovulation and Boost Fertility Lunch

• Nourishing Sweet Potato & Chickpea Stew | Perfect for Your Luteal Phase When Trying for a Baby