Convert this recipe to vegetarian by replacing the chicken with cubes of extra-firm tofu or a 15-ounce can of drained lentils or other beans. Try substituting sweet potatoes for the rice and include eggplant cubes for a truly Indian flair. Notice this recipe does not use water to hydrate the rice because the coconut milk in the curry sauce is enough liquid. I find very little difference between regular and light coconut milk in Glorious One-Pot Meals, so use whichever you prefer. You can find red curry paste in the Asian section of your supermarket along with fish sauce and coconut milk.

　　

Ingredients

serves 2

　　Canola oil spray

　　1 cup basmati rice

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

　　One 14-ounce can coconut milk, light or regular

　　2 to 4 tablespoons red curry paste

　　1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce

　　1 teaspoon light brown sugar

　　Zest of 1 lime, or 1/4 teaspoon lime juice

　　5 to 10 fresh basil leaves, stems removed, or 1 teaspoon dried

　　2 carrots, sliced into coins

　　One 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

　　2 large handfuls fresh spinach, or one 10-ounce package frozen

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

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

　　

Step 3

Rinse the rice in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Spread the rice in the pot in an even layer. Place the chicken on the rice.

　　

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk the coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime zest, and basil. Pour half the mixture over the chicken.

　　

Step 5

Scatter the carrots and then the chickpeas in the pot. Top with the spinach and pour the rest of the coconut mixture over all.

　　

Step 6

Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately. If the rice is still a bit crunchy, quickly fluff with a fork and replace the lid. Let sit for another 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

　　

nutrition information

Step 7

Calories: 1,013

　　

Step 8

Protein: 43g

　　

Step 9

Carbohydrates: 108g

　　

Step 10

Fat: 45g

　　

Step 11

Cholesterol: 76mg

　　

Step 12

Sodium: 940mg

　　

Step 13

Fiber: 13g

　　Glorious One-Pot Meals