Aleppo Breeze

Background and History

Aleppo Breeze is a traditional dish rooted in the rich culinary heritage of the Syrian city of Aleppo. Known for its unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients, this dish offers a light yet flavorful experience that represents the melding of Middle Eastern influences. Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has developed a distinctive cuisine that reflects the various cultures that have passed through it over millennia.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast - 500g, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Aleppo Pepper - 2 tablespoons, ground.
• Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons; extra virgin recommended for authentic flavor.
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced.
• Lemon - 1 large-sized, juiced.
• Cilantro - 1/4 cup, finely chopped.
• Mint - 1/4 cup, chopped.
• Yogurt - 1 cup, plain and unsweetened.
• Sea Salt - 1 teaspoon, to taste.
• Black Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.
• Pita Bread - Served alongside for accompaniment.

Preparation

Preparing the Chicken Marinade

Start by creating a marinade for the chicken breast. In a mixing bowl, combine Aleppo pepper, olive oil, minced garlic, and the juice of one lemon. This mixture will infuse the chicken with the vibrant flavors typical of Aleppo cuisine. Add the sea salt and black pepper, stirring well to combine.

Marinating

Place the cut chicken breast into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results and deeper flavor, let it marinate overnight.

Making the Yogurt Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a separate bowl, mix yogurt with finely chopped cilantro and mint. This sauce serves as a cooling complement to the spicy chicken and should be refrigerated until ready to serve.

Cooking Process

Grilling the Chicken

After the marination period, remove the chicken breast from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken pieces for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a cooking timer to ensure precision and avoid overcooking.

Serving

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful bites. Serve the chicken on a platter alongside warm pita bread and a generous helping of the yogurt sauce you prepared earlier.

Enjoying Aleppo Breeze

Aleppo Breeze is best enjoyed as a shared meal, embodying the communal spirit of Syrian cuisine. Arrange the grilled chicken, pita bread, and yogurt sauce in the center of the table, inviting everyone to partake in assembling their wraps, savoring the contrast of the spicy, robust chicken with the cooling, herby yogurt sauce. Pair with a simple fresh salad or pickled vegetables to add an extra dimension to the meal.

This dish not only provides a satisfying and flavorful experience but also offers a glimpse into the vibrant culinary traditions of Syria, ideally shared with family and friends to foster community and connection.