Living in North Texas, where the weather's mood swings could give you whiplash, it's important to have a few full-proof comfort food recipes for those dreary days. This week, we're stocking up on them in our chapter, Stormy Weather.
Details may be found in the video above. Here's what you'll need to get started:
Equipment:
One large pot
One large bowl
Ingredients
4lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-1 1/2" pieces
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
3 tbsp. Curry Powder -recipe below
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 tsp ground allspice
3 cloves garlic (minced)
3 scallions, finely chopped
3 springs of thyme
3 bay leaves
1 whole large Delicata squash, or another winter squash with firm flesh, cut into 1/2" pieces flesh on
2 Large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 cup coconut milk
1 hot pepper -Scotch Bonnet is preferred, but habanero works beautifully- slit in half lengthwise, and seeded
Cooked white rice, for serving
1 cup shredded collards, 1 tbsp shredded carrots sauteed in 1 tsp olive olive for topping -optional
Details
I know, I deem most of these recipes simple, but this one really is! And the most blessed part is that only one pot is needed. IF you've ever experienced the wonderment that is a curry stew, then you know what's in store here. This dish finds perfect balance between savory subtly spicy -a combination to surely warm you up.
Spices
You can find Jamaican Curry blends in quite a few places, but BLEND YOUR OWN. The recipe I've given below starts with an easy to find Curry Powder, so you don't have to do too much work. I want you, though, to grow accustomed to blending your own spices, as to control and direct the taste of your finished dish.
Jamaican curry powder, which is what we're making use of here, should land us with a savory result, not scary-spicy. You can find Jamaican Curry blends in quite a few places,
For Curry Powder:
3 tbsp McCormick Curry Powder
2 tsp Allspice (about 6-8 berries)
1 tsp Ground Ginger
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Chili Power
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Anise
1/4 tsp Ground Mustard
1/4 tsp Cumin Seeds
Meat
You can certainly sub for chicken breasts here. Darker meat just pairs well with this particular stew. Bone-in is perfectly fine as well, and actually lends to tradition. I've got lazy folks at the house who just don't like to "fight with [their] food". No matter the cut, ALWAYS marinate first, and brown.
Veggies
You don't want to omit any of the listed veggies, but you may certainly add a few. Carrots are a great addition, or alternative to the squash. Notice, we're not peeling our squash here, which is not uncommon at all when cooking with a Delicata squash. The skin is then enough to be unnoticeable edible, and the flesh is just firm enough to withstand a bit of cooking without getting slimy.
That's it, truly! The remaining instructions may be found in the video above. Take a few peeks at it, jam to the music and COOK!
I hope that our time together was valuable.
Peace & Blessings
-Ju