Grilled Chicken and Berry Salad

We made this last week, super yummy. The dressing makes over 2 cups, and we had to toss a lot of it because it only lasts 5-7 days (or as long as the berries would last). So maybe halve it or share.

Grilled Chicken & Berry Salad
Recipe by Our Best Bites, Inspired by the Pigtailed Red-Head of Hamburger Fame

1/2 head Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
6-8 oz. baby spinach
12-16 oz. chicken, marinated, grilled, and sliced*
8 oz. strawberries, sliced
8 oz. blueberries
4 oz. crumbled Feta or shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
1 c. sliced almonds, toasted
Berry Poppy Seed Dressing to taste

For serving a large crowd, toss all the salad ingredients in a large serving bowl and add dressing to taste. For individual servings, arrange ingredients on plates and serve the dressing on the side. Makes about 8 side dish servings and 4 main dish servings.

Berry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Recipe by Our Best Bites

1/2 c. white wine vinegar
1/2 c. honey (or sugar)
1-2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 tsp. kosher or other coarse salt
About 10 cracks of freshly ground black pepper
1 c. raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries
2/3 c. canola oil
1 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds

Combine the vinegar, honey, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and berries in the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth and then, with the blender running, add the oil in a steady stream. Turn off the blender and whisk in the poppy seeds. If possible, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Moroccan Chicken

Gluten Free Success! My family ate seconds and asked for more.

Brown in 1T olive oil over medium-high heat:
8 chicken thighs, bone in, skin off, salt & peppered to taste

Remove to a platter. Saute:
1c chopped onion
2c carrots, in 1/2 inch chunks

Sprinkle on & stir:
2t paprika
1T fresh gingerroot, grated (I used 1t dried)
1/4t turmeric
1/4t cinnamon

Add:
3T lemon juice
1c chicken broth
1T brown sugar

Return chicken to the pan, bring broth to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30 min, or until chicken is fork tender and cooked through. Stir in 1 15oz can of garbanzo beans (drained), if desired, and heat through about 5 min. Serve over brown rice or couscous.

Chicken and Corn Chili

This is a light recipe and went great with my rolls.

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, cored and chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 can (14.5 oz) low sodium chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatos, drained

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

1 box (10 oz) frozen corn, thawed

2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

3/4 tsp salt

shredded cheddar cheese

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper. Cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Stir in cumin, coriander, and chili powder; cook 1 minute.

2. Stir in chicken broth and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer. Add chicken. Cover and dsimmer over low heat for 10 minutes or unitl chicken is cooked through.

3. Stir corn, beans and salt into pot. Heat through. Spoon into bowls and top with shredded cheese.

Chicken Curry in a Hurry

I got this recipe from here. It's very quick and only has a few ingredients. I read some of the comments before I made it and so I do a couple things different than the original recipe. It needed more curry powder and also instead of using all sour cream I use half plain yogurt - although the reviews I read caution against going too low fat because then the sauce will not turn out well. Also, I've never made it with the raisins, only because I haven't had any golden raisins, but my sister says it's great with the raisins.

Chicken Curry in a Hurry

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1/3 cup golden raisins (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder, or to taste
• 3 skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves (1 to 1 1/2 pounds)*
• 1 /2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  
• Minced fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

1 Put the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add the onions (and optional raisins), sprinkle with some salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, sprinkle with half of the curry powder, and continue to cook a minute or two.

2 Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle it with the remaining curry powder. Move the onion to one side of the skillet and add the chicken in one layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.

3 Add the sour cream and yogurt and stir constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture is nice and thick. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple more minutes, or until cooked through, turning once.

Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with rice.

Chicken Souvlaki and Tzatziki Sauce

Ohhhhh. Every once in a while you get a recipe that is so good, so authentic and so incredibly easy that you keep looking for the catch. I got this from a cooking demo at the Greek festival. Apparently, it's from The Key to Greek Cooking. I roasted some potatoes with greek seasoning and served them on the side.

Chef Athena's Favorite Chicken Souvlaki
1lb boneless, skinless chx breasts cut into 1/2-1 inch cubes
1-2 cloves garlic
2t oregano
1.5t ground cumin
Paprika to taste
3T lemon juice
1/2T Greek olive oil (I used regular)
1.5t Kosher or Sea Salt
1t ground pepper

In a bowl, prepare marinade. Mix garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil and pepper until well blended. Pour marinade over chicken, mix, cover and let sit for 30 min. Just before grilling, add the salt to the chx.
Grill chicken on skewers. Remove, and serve with:
Pita bread (no pocket, butter and heat first)
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Feta cheese, crumbled
Bell peppers
Tzatziki (recipe follows)

Pile it all on the pita, fold, eat and OPA!

Tzatziki (Yogurt and Cucumber Sauce)

2c greek yogurt
1c cucumber, peeled & diced or shredded (mine went in the food processor)
1 clove garlic (or to taste)
1T olive oil
1T lemon juice (start low and work up)
1t garlic salt (can use sea salt instead)
1T chopped dill

Wrapped cucumber in paper towels and press out moisture.
Combine cucumbers with remaining ingredients and mix well. Transfer to a serving bowl and chill. Serve with pita, souvlaki, gyro or on potatoes.

Greek Chicken & Everything Orzo

My neighbor brought this over last week and it was GREAT! It's a Rachael Ray recipe and the only thing she altered is that she added fresh spinach.


Ingredients

* 4 cloves garlic, 2 chopped, divided
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for drizzling
* 2 lemons, 1 thinly sliced, divided
* 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 2 sprigs fresh oregano, finely chopped
* 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 pounds jumbo shrimp
* Salt and coarse black pepper
* 1/2 pound orzo pasta
* 1 red onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
* 1/2 pound Greek feta, crumbled
* 3-4 Greek hot peppers, chopped or a couple of tablespoons banana pepper rings, chopped

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the orzo pasta.

Crush two cloves of garlic and place in a shallow dish with about 1/4 cup EVOO, along with the one thinly sliced lemon, red pepper flakes, oregano and chicken or shrimp. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the meat or shrimp has marinated for 10 minutes and the skillet is screaming hot, add the chicken or shrimp and the lemon slices. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, until pink and firm, tossing frequently with tongs. Squeeze the juice of remaining lemon over the pan.

When you add chicken to pan, drop the orzo in boiling water and start the vegetables. If you’re cooking shrimp, start the orzo and the vegetables and then throw the shrimp into the pan.

Meanwhile, heat a second skillet with 2 tablespoons EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and bell pepper, season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the remaining two cloves chopped garlic and toss for a minute, then add the olives and tomatoes to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes more. Drain the orzo and toss in a serving dish with the vegetables, along with the parsley, feta and hot peppers. Adjust the black pepper to your taste and drizzle with a little extra EVOO.

Serve the chicken or shrimp alongside the orzo.

Chicken Spaghetti

This is one from The Pioneer Woman which we love. I don't follow the recipe exactly, but here it is for you to make your own adjustments. I saute the onions and peppers with some garlic and mushrooms. I've never added the pimentos and don't use as much cheese.

Ingredients

2 cups Cooked Chicken
3 cups Dry Spaghetti, Broken Into Two Inch Pieces
2 cans Cream Of Mushroom Soup
2 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
¼ cups Finely Diced Green Pepper
¼ cups Finely Diced Onion
1 jar (4 Ounce) Diced Pimentos, Drained
2 cups Reserved Chicken Broth From Pot
1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
⅛ teaspoons (to 1/4 Teaspoon) Cayenne Pepper
Salt And Pepper, to taste
1 cup Additional Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions
Cook 1 cut up fryer and pick out the meat to make two cups. Cook spaghetti in same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghetti is cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar and broth.
Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil). Add broth if needed to desired creaminess.

Southeast Asian Chicken & Noodles

My family really liked this one too, which surprised me since it has so many herbs. But I think the rice noodles won them over. I don't make it often, because I don't think the rice noodles have much in the way of nutrients, but it's a light summery meal. Found here via stephmodo.com

Time: 30 minutes. Chinese long beans (or regular green beans) and plenty of fresh herbs turn this Thai-inspired dish into a whole meal.

Yield: Serves 4 (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)
Ingredients

* 8 ounces Thai flat rice noodles
* 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons minced garlic
* 8 ounces yard-long beans (Chinese long beans) or regular green beans, cut into 2-in. pieces
* 2 boned, skinned chicken breast halves (1 lb. total), sliced 1/2 in. thick
* 1/4 cup Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)
* 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
* 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, divided
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, divided
* 1/2 cup chopped green onions, divided

Preparation

1. In a large pot, cook noodles in boiling water until tender, about 4 minutes. Drain noodles and transfer to a large serving bowl.

2. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add garlic, long beans, and chicken. Cook until chicken is slightly browned, stirring often, about 4 minutes.

3. Add fish sauce, broth, sugar, ginger, lime juice, and 1/4 cup each basil, mint, and green onions, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a boil and pour over noodles. Sprinkle with remaining basil, mint, and green onions.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories:
341 (26% from fat)
Protein:
34g
Fat:
10g (sat 1.9)
Carbohydrate:
30g
Fiber:
4.2g
Sodium:
1673mg
Cholesterol:
66mg

Chicken Tortilla Soup with Corn & Spinach

This one is really easy and delicious.

2 tsp canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups fat free, reduced sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels (I use hominy sometimes too)
4 cups lightly packed fresh baby spinach (4oz)
2 cups diced chicken breast
1/2 cup salsa
Juice of one lime
1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
1 ounce tortilla chips

1. Heat oil in deep medium saucepan over medium-high heat. saute onion until translucent.
2. Pour in broth. add corn and spinach. reduce heat to medium and cook until corn is heated through and spinach is bright green, 3 minutes. mix in chicken, salsa and lime juice. season soup to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. (I omit the pepper).
3. to serve, divide soup among 4 bowls. top each with cilantro, crushed tortilla chips and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings: 313 calories per serving.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:
6 chicken breasts
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs (I use Italian)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 large egg
olive oil
1 16 oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 pkg 8 oz mozzarella cheese cut in six slices

Directions:
Combine bread crumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Beat egg in another bowl. Dip chicken in the egg and then in the bread mixture. On stove heat olive oil until hot. Brown the chicken. (Doesn't need to cook through.) Pour sauce in a 9X13 pan and put browned chicken on top. Cover loosely with foil. Bake for 40 min or until chicken is cooked through. Then put cheese on chicken and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Bake 10 min with no foil until cheese is bubbly.

I always serve it with Rotini Noodles cooked and then sprinkled with garlic salt seasoning and olive oil.

Southwest chicken salad

This was a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. We served this in pitas with guacamole (see recipe below) and lettuce. Spencer and I thought it was yummy, but maybe a little sweet, so I plan to halve the honey next time.

2 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
1 can corn, drained
1/2 c. chopped red peppers (optional: roast them)
1/2 c. chopped red onion
1/2 c. minced fresh cilantro
Dressing:
3 T. fresh lime juice
3 T. olive oil
4 t. honey
2 t. ground cumin
1 t. salt
1 t. chili powder
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground pepper

Combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, pour over the chicken mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Serve over salad greens. Optional: Line pita halves with lettuce leaves, fill with chicken salad. OR Place chicken salad off center on tortilla, top with avocado, roll up (wrap).

Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry

We really liked this one, especially the cauliflower which adds such a great texture. I omitted the onion because I didn't have it. Also, when stir frying the veggies, after about 4 minutes, I added a small amount of water and put the lid on the wok to steam them a bit--for about 3 minutes. I recommend it.

4 t. cornstarch
1 c. chicken broth
2 T. soy sauce
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 T. peanut or sesame oil, divided
1 1/2 c. fresh cauliflowerets
1 1/2 c. fresh broccoli florets
2 med carrots, sliced
1 small sweet red pepper, julienned
1 small onion, halved and sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 t. salt
1/4 to 1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes
2 1/2 c. hot cooked jasmine rice

Combine cornstarch, broth, soy sauce until smooth, set aside. In a wok, stir fry chicken in 1 T. oil until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm. Stir fry the veggies in remaining oil until crisp tender. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute longer.
Stir cornstarch mixture and add to pan. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken, heat through. Serve with rice.

Marinated Chicken with Roasted Tomato Topping and Mozzarella Cheese

I found this recipe in the AJC a couple of weeks ago and thought it looked interesting. The chicken passed my taste test - which means it didn't taste a bit like chicken. We enjoyed it.

3 Tbl. lemon juice
3 Tbl. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 lbs. chicken (cut into med. pieces)
3/4 c. onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic, minced
3 Tbl. canned drained gr. chilies
2 c. grape tomato halves
1 c. fresh spinach
1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper
1/3 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

In a ziploc bag, combine lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, and paprika. Add chicken and refrigerate at least one hour. After marinating, cook chicken until juices run clear.

Cook onion and garlic in skillet until tender. Add chilies and tomatoes and cook a couple minutes longer. Add spinach, cook until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper. Divide spinach mixture and spoon on top or each breast; sprinkle with cheese and broil until cheese is melted.

Heavenly Chicken Divine

One of our new favorites. We fight over the leftovers. From my sister in law's Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook. Several of her best recipes are from this, I might have to peruse it more carefully.

Have ready:
4c broccoli steamed
4c cooked penne pasta (3c dried, 1 box, my SIL raves about Ezekiel 4:9 Organic Sprouted Grain Pasta, available at Kroger or Amazon)
2c shredded roast chicken (or cubed breasts, whatever)
2c (4oz) shredded smoked Gouda or Edam (don't skimp on cheese, it really defines the dish. I prefer Edam)

Heat 2t olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add:
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4t dried thyme
1/4t salt
1/8t pepper
Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, about 5 min. Remove from heat and stir in:
1 jar (16oz) Alfredo sauce (I make my own, more is better)
1/2c grated smoked Gouda or Edam cheese (I like Edam)
1/2-1c milk
1/2c of the pasta water
1/8t nutmeg
Then stir in the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, 2c shredded roast chicken and mix thoroughly. Transfer to a 9x13 pan and top with another 1.5c of Gouda or Edam cheese and 1/4c Italian breadcrumbs. Sprinkle with some paprika and cover with foil. Bake for 30 min at 375. Uncover and bake another 10-15 min, or until golden brown.

The recipe freezes well, except for the broccoli. My SIL serves the broccoli separate, since it gets mushy in leftovers. You can also make the dish the day before and keep refridgerated for 24 hrs.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

A new family favorite! It is similar to Rosemary's but I prefer it this way.

Chicken:
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

Cut boneless chicken breasts into chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in cornstarch and then in egg. Fry in a little oil until brown but not cooked through. Place in a single layer in a baking dish. Mix sauce ingredients (below) together and pour over chicken.

Sauce:
¾ cup sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup
½ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Bake for one hour at 325 degrees. Turn chicken every 15 minutes. If you like extra sauce, make another batch of sauce and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. Stir constantly and let cook over medium heat until thickened and reduced - about 6-8 minutes.

Herb and Cheese Chicken Tenders

My kids love this chicken.

1-1/2 lbs chicken tenders
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten with ¼ cup water

Breading
1 ½ cups Italian-style bread crumbs
½ cup parmesan cheese
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
2 tsp Parsley
1tsp garlic powder

Olive oil for frying

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Foil line a cookie sheet, set a side.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs with water in a second dish. In a third dish, combine breading ingredients. Coat chicken in flour, then egg, then breading.

Add chicken to the skillet and cook until deeply golden, each side 3-4 minutes. Transfer to cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

We love to eat this with couscous, salad or pasta. It is also very good in a sandwich with some ranch dressing, avocado and lettuces. YUM!

Parmesan Custard Chicken Lasagne

I used to date this guy who loved to cook. This was one of my favorite dishes he made. It's also a bit time consuming, but he always told me good food is worth the wait and this is definitely worth the wait!

Parmesan Custard
4 T. butter
4 T. flour
2 c. milk
1 c. chicken broth
3 whole eggs
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch of nutmeg and red pepper

Melt butter; add flour and stir. Over low heat gradually stir in milk. Whisk until smooth. Stir in broth and heat until boiling. Beat eggs in separate bowl - gradually whisk sauce into eggs. Pour back into saucepan and let stand off heat. Stir in remaining ingredients and set aside.

Filler Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. chicken, cut into narrow strips
1 medium onion, diced
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. shredded carrots
1 1/2 lb. broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
1/4 c. fresh parsley
1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, shredded
Lasagne Noodles, cooked al dente

Saute onion, garlic, carrots and broccoli. Add chicken and parsley and cook until chicken is no longer pink. In a deep 13X9 pan, layer custard, noodles, veggie mixture and cheese. Layer until gone ending with custard. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350 30-40 minutes

Chicken Tikka Masala

I've never actually made this, Rich's cousin posted it on our family website. Here's her description of the dish:

"It may not be a super fast one, but if you like Indian food this is tops! I got it from an Indian Mamma"

1 C. yogurt
1 T. lemon juice
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
½ tsp. black pepper
1 T. minced fresh ginger
1 tsp. salt
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 long skewers
1 T. butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 C. heavy cream
¼ c. fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice and 2 tsp. cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 1 tsp. salt. Stir in chicken, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. preheat grill and lightly oil grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.
3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 tsp. cumin, paprika, and 1 tsp. salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with basmati rice.

Number Of Servings:6ish

Sticky Chicken

This recipe is one Rosemary included with her spotlight. I may have made a few changes (I can't remember), but we seem to like it this way.

4 chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
1 c. flour
1 egg, beaten

Sauce:
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 T. vinegar
1 T. soy sauce

Dip chicken in egg then flour. Brown in hot oil in pan. Place in glass baking dish. Combine sauce ingredients mixing well. Pour over chicken

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.

Curry-Coconut Chicken

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
3 tomatoes, diced (about 3 cups)
8 ounces green beans, cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
1/4 cup water
8 ounces cauliflower florets
1 bunch scallions (green parts only), cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
1 recipe Curry-Coconut Sauce (see below)
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Cooked jasmine rice

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pan. Reduce heat to medium-high, add the remaining oil, and heat for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add the green beans and water. Cover partially and cook for 1 minute. Add the cauliflower, cover partially, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Add the scallions and Curry-Coconut Sauce. When it starts to bubble, add the chicken and basil. Stir-fry until warmed through, about 1 minute. Serve immediately over the rice.

Tip: Try using tofu in place of the chicken. And sugar snaps and sweet potatoes make great substitutions for the cauliflower and green beans.

Yield: Makes 4-6 servings

Curry-Coconut Sauce

1½ cups canned light coconut milk
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon crushed red peppers flakes
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1½ Tablespoons minced garlic
1½ Tablespoons curry powder
½ cup chopped fresh basil

In a small bowl combine coconut milk, soy sauce, sugar and salt. Place a wok or skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, garlic and curry powder and stir fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add the coconut milk mixture and bring to a boil. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, 1½ minutes. Add basil. Pour into a bowl.

I found this in Real Simple and have used it several times. I like to use broccoli, carrots and green peppers, in place of green beans.