Cook the orzo in a pan of boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and return to the pan. Add the butter and a generous pinch of salt. Stir in the herbs and Turkish pepper flakes.

Heat the oil in a large pan over high heat and add the chicken.

Fry for 2 to 3 minutes to seal the meat. Add the onion and almonds and fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until golden.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the apricots, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, black pepper, and a generous pinch of salt. Add the boiling water and continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cornstarch and mix together until thickened. Serve immediately with the orzo.

"During the 15th and 16th centuries, a dish called Balli Mahmudiye was served at opulent dinner parties in the Ottoman capital of Bursa. Originally named after Sultan Mahmud, it was a lavish mix of chicken cooked with apples, raisins, currants, apricots, almonds, and pine nuts—it was a real celebration of ingredients and wealth. Still cooked in Turkish restaurants today, Balli Mahmudiye is often toned down with a shorter list of fruit and nuts, but retains the same light, lemony sauce. My recipe uses orzo, which is somewhat lighter than rice and complements the sweet flavors of the cinnamon and apricots beautifully." -- John Gregory-Smith in Turkish Delights.

Recipe courtesy of Turkish Delights by John Gregory-Smith, photography by Martin Poole.