Basmathi Rice with Chick-Peas and Toasted Almonds.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup basmati rice
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 can (19 ounces) chick-peas, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Method

In a large saucepan, heat oil over low heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, seven minutes or until tender.

Add bell pepper and rice, stirring to coat. Stir in 2 cups water, lemon zest, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes or until rice is tender.

Add chickpeas and cook three minutes to heat through. Stir in cilantro and toasted almonds at serving time.

Chicken Mole

Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon salt (or as per taste)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 green bell peppers, cut into thin strips
1-1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add onion and garlic and cook 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is tender. Add peppers and cook 5 minutes. or until softened.

Stir in salt, tomatoes, 2/3 cup of water, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vinegar, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, add chicken, and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 10 minutes. Uncover and cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is lightly thickened.

Transfer chicken to a cutting board, thinly slice, and spoon chicken and sauce over rice and serve.

Thai Stir-Fry Chicken

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons chili sauce
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil (If fresh basil isn't available, substitute mint or additional cilantro.)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Method

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and just cooked through, about 3 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a plate.

Add garlic and scallions to skillet and stir-fry just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes.

In small bowl, combine lime juice, chili sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, salt, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir mixture into skillet and bring to a boil.

Return chicken to skillet and stir in basil and cilantro. Cook 1 minute stirring until just heated through.