Chef's Blog

Rosh Hashanah

September 23, 2014

On Rosh Hashanah it is customary to cook items that not only are seasonal and autumnesque, but are symbolic of Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year. We ask G-d for a sweet new year….to be prosperous and healthy. Certain foods convey those prayers – like the pomegranate. This fruit inspires us to pray for happiness and joy as voluminous as the myriad seeds of the fruit. Honey inspires us to request a sweet year, and the list goes on. Rather than merely eat these fruits in their simplest form, we also try to incorporate them into our meal, and as on every holiday table, to cook our most gourmet and finest dishes.

Below is a delicious and easy chicken dish which includes some of the special Rosh Hashanah foods to create a sweet and savory entree your family and guests will savor

Dijon-Pomegranate Chicken Thighs

Serves 8

Ingredients

8 Chicken thighs

Marinade
1/4 c Honey
3 T soy sauce
1 T pomegranate syrup or molasses
1 T sweet paprika in oil (Pereg brand is best)
1 T coarse grain dijon mustard

1 T light brown sugar
1/4 c water (at room temperature)

 

Dry Fruit Sauce

2 whole onions cut into strips
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 c dried apricots, slivered
1/4 c prunes, halved
3/4 c yellow raisins
1/4 c water (at room temperature)

salt, black pepper to taste
nutmeg to taste
1/4 tsp cinnamon
canola oil for sautéing onions

Toppings/Garnishes (optional)

slivered, toasted almonds

pomegranate seeds

fresh chopped parsley or mint

Instructions:

Make Marinade:

Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl and add the chicken. Let the chicken marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.

Heat the canola oil in a 12″ sauté pan over medium heat. When shimmery, add the onions. Saute until golden and translucent. Add all the dried fruit, stir gently until fruit is tender.

Add the chicken to the pan and add water to cover 3/4 of the way. Bring to a rapid boil, cover 3/4, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 40 minutes.
Check chicken for doneness. If there is too much liquid in pan, bring liquid in pan to a boil over high heat uncovered and reduce to a thick sauce. Garnish if desired with toasted almonds, pomegranate seeds, and some chopped parsley

Happy Holidays!

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