This is a perfect dish for a seductively healthy and romantic dinner! What better way to say I love you than sensual pomegranates and healthy brown rice in a sweet but spicy dish? By the way, I consider this a mildly hot meal, while my husband calls it medium-hot. Pomegranate-glazed chicken together with tender pomegranate seeds make an irresistible combination. See page 139 for advice on making your own pomegranate molasses. A pomegranate is easy to seed if you slice it into quarters and then bend it backward so that the seeds are exposed and easy to grab off the rind.

　　

Ingredients

serves 2

　　Olive oil spray

　　1 cup precooked parboiled brown rice (often sold as “Boil-in-Bag” rice servings)

　　1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable) or water

　　1/2 to 3/4 pound chicken breasts or thighs

　　Sea salt

　　1/2 cup ketchup

　　2 tablespoons honey

　　2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses

　　1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

　　2 garlic cloves, chopped

　　1/4 teaspoon cayenne

　　10 to 15 Brussels sprouts (6 to 8 ounces), trimmed with an X in the stem end

　　1 1/2 cups halved baby carrots

　　1 cup sliced oyster mushrooms

　　1 pomegranate, seeded

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil.

　　

Step 3

Pour the rice into the pot and add the liquid. Stir to coat the grains and smooth the rice into an even layer. Put the chicken pieces on top of the rice. Lightly season with salt.

　　

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, honey, molasses, lemon juice, garlic, and cayenne. Drizzle half the mixture over the chicken.

　　

Step 5

Add a layer of Brussels sprouts and carrots. Pour the rest of the ketchup mixture over all. Top with the mushrooms and pomegranate seeds.

　　

Step 6

Cover and bake for about 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

　　

nutrition information

Step 7

Calories: 553

　　

Step 8

Protein: 35g

　　

Step 9

Carbohydrates: 95g

　　

Step 10

Fat: 5g

　　

Step 11

Cholesterol: 75mg

　　

Step 12

Sodium: 660mg

　　

Step 13

Fiber: 5g

　　Glorious One-Pot Meals