Braised Chicken And Mushroom Ragù With "White Curry" Spices

1. 1

   Heat a large nonstick skillet until fairly hot; add the olive oil and swirl it around quickly. Add the mushrooms, stir a few times, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir for another minute or so, then leave them alone for another three or four minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. 2

   While the mushrooms are cooking, dredge the chicken thighs in the flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt.

3. 3

   Finish cooking the mushrooms by turning the heat back up to medium and cooking for another minute, stirring constantly. Put the mushrooms in a bowl and, with the pan still hot, deglaze it with 2 tablespoons of red wine. Pour the wine and pan juices into the bowl with the mushrooms.

4. 4

   Rinse and lightly wipe dry the pan. Return it to the stove and get it hot over medium heat.

5. 5

   Add the olive oil or bacon fat and swirl it around the pan. Put the chicken thighs in, skin side-down, and leave them alone. Let them cook for about five minutes, turning the heat down a bit, then turn them over and cook the other side for about three minutes. Remove them to the bowl with the mushrooms.

6. 6

   In the same skillet, add the onions and stir well to coat them. Continue stirring while the onions cook for about 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

7. 7

   Add the white curry powder and the chopped ham or prosciutto. Stir well, while cooking for another minute.

8. 8

   Add the chicken (skin side-up), the carrot slices, the mushrooms, and all of the juices that have collected in the bowl. Stir well, continuing to cook over medium heat. Then add the tomatoes, the herbs, a pinch of salt, and the rest of the wine. Stir to combine and then lower the heat. Simmer for about five minutes, stirring frequently.

9. 9

   Add the chicken stock, then scrape down the sides of the skillet, blending everything together. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Taste for seasoning and correct. Cover and allow it to sit for at least another five or ten minutes.

10. 10

    Just before serving, add the chopped parsley and freshly ground pepper.

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    Enjoy!! ;o)

12. 12

    Toast the cumin, coriander, and cardamom lightly in a small skillet just until fragrant, shaking the pan frequently. The minute they seem to be turning a darker color, remove all of the seeds right away, lest they burn.

13. 13

    Break the cinnamon stick into about five or six pieces. Very lightly toast it in the skillet over medium heat, for no more than a minute or so.

14. 14

    Grind the toasted seeds, the cinnamon stick, the mustard seeds, and the cloves to a fine powder. (Check the grinder once or twice to dislodge any cinnamon pieces that may have stuck to the blade.)

15. 15

    Store in a jar and use within a few weeks. (I use this in red lentil soups, and just about any dish that involves mushrooms. In the latter case, I use just the tiniest pinch, so that the flavors are not independently discernible.)

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    Enjoy!! ;o)

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