LIME CHICKEN WITH LENTILS AND DRIED FRUIT

Any dish becomes more dramatic when its flavors are enhanced with citrus juice and peel.

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes

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4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1¼ pounds)

¼ teaspoon salt, divided

¹⁄₈ teaspoon ground allspice, divided

¹⁄₈ teaspoon ground red pepper, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

¾ cup small green and brown lentils, and a few red lentils, picked over and rinsed

3 scallions, cut into 1" diagonal pieces

4 large dried peaches or apricots (4 ounces), cut into thin strips

½ cup dried sour cherries or cranberries

2 teaspoons finely chopped crystallized ginger

6 tablespoons chopped cilantro, divided

1½ cups chicken broth

4 teaspoons finely grated lime peel

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Lime wedges (optional, for garnish)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season the chicken with ¹⁄₈ teaspoon salt, ¹⁄₁₆ teaspoon allspice, and ¹⁄₁₆ teaspoon pepper. In an ovenproof Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer to a plate.

2. To the Dutch oven, add the lentils, scallions, peaches or apricots, cherries or cranberries, ginger, 3 tablespoons cilantro, and the remaining ¹⁄₈ teaspoon salt, ¹⁄₁₆ teaspoon allspice, and ¹⁄₁₆ teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the broth. Return the chicken to the pot and submerge. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Remove from the heat, cover, and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through. Remove the chicken skins. Stir the lime peel and juice into the lentil mixture.

4. Arrange the lentils on serving plates. Top with the chicken, and sprinkle with the remaining 3 tablespoons cilantro. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

Per serving: 343 calories, 47 g carbohydrate, 26 g protein, 7 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 59 mg cholesterol, 253 mg sodium, 14 g fiber

Carbohydrate Choices: 3

Dietary Exchanges: 1½ starch, 1½ fruit, 2½ meat, 1 fat

NOTE: This dish may be prepared with all green or brown lentils, if desired.