Curry Chicken Celebration Recipes

CURRY CHICKEN

Steps:

• Rinse the chickens with water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the chickens into serving pieces and place in a large bowl, reserving the backs, necks, and wing tips for stock or another use. Juice the limes and add the juice to the chicken along with the grated lime rind, coating the chicken with the juice.
• In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter, if using, over high heat until very hot. Pat the chicken dry again and carefully add half of the pieces to the skillet. Fry on one side for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking and tilting the skillet a little to distribute the fat. Turn the chicken over and fry for 3 minutes more, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken to a large platter and set aside.
• Pour out the old fat, wipe the skillet, and add the remaining 1/4 cup oil and 1 tablespoon butter, if using. Repeat the frying procedure with the remaining chicken pieces and then set aside.
• Discard all but 2 tablespoons of oil, reduce the heat to medium, and add the onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute (be careful not to burn the garlic). Add the curry powder and fry for 1 minute, scraping the bottom.
• Add the tomatoes, whole Scotch bonnet pepper and slices, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly while scraping the bottom of the pan. Add the water and mix until well blended. Return the chicken to the pan. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

CURRY CHICKEN CELEBRATION

Steps:

• Gently poach the chicken in a covered heavy bottomed pan in the liquid for about 10 minutes. Remove and let rest.
• Add the onions and oil to the pan and increase the heat to medium. The pan will sizzle as the liquid reduces and the onions saute. (This may take awhile.) Stir in the curry powder and drained, canned apricots. It will form a thick paste.
• Cool a little and then use a blender to puree the apricots with the mayo and sour cream to yield a creamy, vibrant yellow sauce.
• Slice the reserved chicken and add to the sauce (in a serving bowl), then finish by adding chopped dried apricots.