Curry Chicken with Warm Fruit Compote

The aromas, colors and flavors of this Indian-inspired dish are a feast for the senses.

Ingredients:

Couscous
1 1/2	tsp (7 mL) canola oil
1	cup (250 mL) uncooked Israeli couscous
1 1/2	tsp (7 mL) curry powder
1 1/4	cups (300 mL) water
Chicken & Compote
1	tbsp (15 mL) canola oil, divided
4	boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 oz/90 g each)
1/2	tsp (2 mL) salt, divided
1/4	tsp (1 mL) coarsely ground black pepper
2	large shallots, finely chopped
1	medium Granny Smith apple, diced
1	cup (250 mL) unsalted chicken stock
1/4	cup (50 mL) dried currants
1	tbsp (15 mL) sugar
1	tbsp (15 mL) curry powder
1 1/2	tsp (7 mL) cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup (50 mL) cold water
1	tbsp (15 mL) light butter
3	large fresh apricots, pitted and diced

1. For couscous, heat oil in (3-qt./2.8-L) Saucepan over medium heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering; add couscous and curry powder. Cook 3-4 minutes or until couscous is golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, 8-10 minutes or until couscous is tender. Remove Saucepan from heat; set aside and keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, for chicken, heat 2 tsp (10 mL) of the oil in (12-in./30-cm) Skillet over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Flatten chicken to an even thickness with Meat Tenderizer; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp (1 mL) of the salt and black pepper. Cook chicken 2-2 1/2 minutes on each side or until centers are no longer pink. Remove chicken from Skillet; set aside and keep warm.
3. Add remaining 1 tsp (5 mL) oil, shallots and apple to Skillet; cook and stir 30 60 seconds or until shallots are fragrant. Stir in stock, currants, sugar, curry powder and remaining 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt; cook, uncovered, 1-2 minutes or until mixture comes to a simmer. Slowly add cornstarch mixture to Skillet, stirring constantly; stir in butter. Reduce heat to medium-low. Return chicken to Skillet; cook, covered, 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Stir in apricots. Serve with couscous.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 380, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Sodium 400 mg, Carbohydrate 51 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 24 g

Cook's Tips: To ensure that the cornstarch is fully incorporated, mix the cornstarch mixture again, just before stirring it into Skillet.

If desired, 1 cup (250 mL) (6 oz/175 g) dried apricots cut in half lengthwise can be substituted for the fresh apricots. Add dried apricots in Step 3 with stock and currants; proceed as recipe directs.