Monday, December 9, 2013

Grilled Chicken with Curried Couscous, Spinach, and Mango

It’s amazing how just a teaspoon of curry powder can make a dish so aromatic. Dressing both the couscous and the spinach with curry vinaigrette disperses its flavor throughout. Serve the chicken breasts whole or slice them thinly for a pretty presentation.



  • 5 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil




  • 1 Tbs. thinly sliced shallot




  • 1 tsp. curry powder




  • 3 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar




  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper




  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 7 oz. each)




  • 1 cup whole-wheat couscous




  • 1 small firm-ripe mango, cut into 1/2-inch dice




  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted




  • 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley




  • 2 oz. baby spinach (2 lightly packed cups)




Prepare a medium (375°F) gas or charcoal grill fire.


Heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil in an 8-inch skillet over low heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 1 minute. Add the curry powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir in the vinegar and 3 Tbs. of the olive oil. Remove from the heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.


Coat the chicken with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil and season with 1/4 tsp. salt and a few grinds of pepper. Grill the chicken, flipping once, until well marked and cooked through (165°F), 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let rest.


Meanwhile, bring 1 cup water with 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Put the couscous in a medium heatproof bowl. Add the remaining 1 tsp. olive oil and toss with your hands to coat the couscous. Pour the boiling water over the couscous, stir, and cover. Let stand 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork. Toss with 3 Tbs. of the vinaigrette, the mango, almonds, and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.


Toss the spinach with just enough of the vinaigrette to coat lightly. Divide the couscous among 4 plates. Top with the spinach, the chicken, and a drizzle of the remaining vinaigrette.


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