One-Pot Sticky Coconut Chicken & Rice

I have a couple more chicken and rice dishes to share. 🙂

This wonderful one-pot dish was included in The New York Times’ Best Recipes of 2022. I was surprised that I missed it when it was first published!

The recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Kay Chun. I modified the proportions. I cooked it in a large enameled cast iron Dutch oven. Although it cooked perfectly, I may use a shallow and wide pan next time to be able to serve it directly from the pan at the table. We ate it with roasted cauliflower on the side.

Flavorful and fabulous comfort food! Easy to prepare too. The hot sauce garnish balances the richness of the finished dish.

Yield: Serves 6

• 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each thigh cut into 2 equal-size pieces, patted dry
• 5 T neutral oil, such as safflower or canola, divided
• 3 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1 1/2 tsp Morton kosher salt)
• 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 T minced fresh ginger
• 7 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice (or other short-grain white rice), rinsed until water runs clear
• 1 3/4 cups chicken stock
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews
• 4 scallions, green and white parts, thinly sliced
• 3 T coarsely chopped cilantro
• hot sauce, for serving, optional

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. (I set my oven to true convection.)
2. Rub chicken with 2 tablespoons of oil, and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium. Working in two batches, brown chicken, turning halfway, until no longer pink, around 5 minutes on the first side and an additional 3 minutes after flipping. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the ginger and the garlic to the empty pot, and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds.
5. Add rinsed rice and stir until evenly coated in the oil.
6. Add stock, coconut milk, bell pepper, cashews, scallions and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir to lift up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. (I had a lot of browned bits!)
7. Arrange chicken on top, add any accumulated juices from the plate and bring to a boil over high.
8. Cover and bake until all of the liquid is absorbed, rice is tender and chicken is cooked through, 25 minutes.
9. Scatter cilantro over the chicken and rice, then divide among bowls. Serve with hot sauce, as desired.

Pesto-ish Risotto

Every fall, black swallowtail caterpillars takeover my backyard basil plants. I needed to make this basil-loaded dish before sharing my plants with them.

This risotto was rich, creamy, and hearty. The absolute highlight of the finished dish was the crispy garlic and pan-toasted pine nut topping. Loved it.

This recipe was adapted from Bon Appétit, contributed by Christian Reynoso. I adapted the original recipe to prepare it in a pressure cooker. Easy and elegant.

Yield: 4 to 6 Servings

• 4 T unsalted butter, divided
• 2 cups arborio or carnaroli rice
• 5 to 8 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced, divided
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 5 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (4 T) raw pine nuts
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 1/2 cups (loosely packed) basil leaves (from 1 large bunch), torn into 1″ pieces
• shaved or finely grated Parmesan, for serving (I used Parmigiano-Reggiano)
• Parmesan rind, optional
• juice of 1/2 large lemon

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a 5 or 7 quart pressure cooker over medium heat.
2. Add the rice and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring, until grains are partially translucent, about 1 1/2 minutes.
3. Add 2 cloves of garlic slices and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add all of the unheated stock; stir.
5. Lock the lid in place and bring to high pressure over high heat.
6. Adjust the heat to maintain high pressure. Cook for 7 minutes.
7. Release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions or place the pot under running cold water. (I used a quick release method.)
8. Carefully open the lid, being careful of the steam. The stock should be almost completely absorbed but the rice will be covered with a thick layer of milky broth. (more stock can be added at this point if the risotto appears too thick)
9. Meanwhile, cook the remaining 6 cloves of garlic slices, olive oil, and pine nuts in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic starts to turn golden around edges. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring often, until pine nuts and garlic are golden, about 5 minutes.
10. Remove from heat; stir in turmeric and season with pepper, to taste. Set aside.
11. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the Parmesan rind, if using, into the risotto. Season with salt, to taste.
12. Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the risotto and add freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
13. Stir basil into risotto.
14. Ladle risotto, discarding the Parmesan rind, into shallow bowls. Top with garlic–pine nut oil and Parmesan. Serve.

Venetian Rice & Peas (Risi e Bisi)

In Venice, this classic dish is traditionally served on April 25th, St. Mark’s Day. This version was adapted from Michela Tasca, owner of Ca’ de Memi Farm and Bed and Breakfast in Piombino Dese, outside of Venice, Italy, via 177MilkStreet.com, contributed by Diane Unger.

The recipe is similar to risotto in its cooking method and because it incorporates arborio rice, but this dish is much more fluid and soupy. It is definitely for pea lovers! Whole peas and puréed peas are mixed into the creamy rice. I loved the vibrant, beautiful color of the finished dish.

Yield: Serves 4

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large white onion, half thinly sliced and half finely chopped
• 1 medium celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 1 quart chicken stock or broth
• 2 cups frozen peas, divided (1 cup frozen, 1 cup thawed & at room temperature)
• 2 cups lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 ounces pancetta, cubed or finely chopped (I used uncured pancetta)
• 4 T salted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces, divided
• 1 cup arborio or vialone nano rice
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 ounces (1 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve (I used Parmigiano-Reggiano)

1. In a medium pot, combine the carrot, sliced onion (reserve the chopped onion), celery, fennel seeds, stock (or broth), and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then cover, reduce to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables have softened, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the solids to a blender, draining as much of the liquid as possible. (It’s okay if some of the fennel seeds remain in the pot.) (I used a Vitamix.)
3. Add 1 cup of the stock to the blender along with the parsley and the still-frozen peas. (The frozen peas cool the mixture so that it remains a brilliant green.) Leave the remaining stock in the pot, covered, so that it remains warm. (I kept the pot over low heat.)
4. Blend the solids, parsley, frozen peas, and cup of stock until the mixture is completely smooth, 1 to 2 minutes; set aside. (You should have about 3 cups of purée.)
5. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the reserved chopped onion, pancetta, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion and pancetta are lightly browned and the pancetta fat is rendered, 6 to 8 minutes. (I used a low, wide, enameled cast iron pot.)
6. Add the rice and stir until the grains are coated with fat, about 1 minute.
7. Stir in 1 cup of warm stock. Cook, stirring, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Ladle in additional stock to barely cover the rice, about 1 cup at a time, and simmer, stirring often, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 5 minutes per addition.
9. Repeat the addition of stock, about 4 or 5 times, until the rice is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
10. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand uncovered for 5 minutes.
11. Add the thawed, room temperature peas and the reserved purée; stir into heated through, about 1 minute.
12. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; stir until melted.
13. Stir in the Parmesan. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
14. Serve sprinkled with additional grated Parmesan, as desired.

Fresh Tomato Risotto

My friend has been sharing her beautiful homegrown tomatoes. Lucky me! They are more delicious than my CSA tomatoes. ❤

I try to use them in a special way and I love that this risotto uses fresh tomatoes in two ways- cooked and sliced as a colorful garnish. My homegrown basil and parsley were the icing on the cake.

This recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by David Tanis. I attempted to adapt the recipe to cook using my pressure cooker, as I usually do with risotto, but there wasn’t enough liquid for it to cook properly. Cooking this version in the traditional manner is the way to go. 🙂 By using boiling liquid, it was still a quick weeknight dish!

Yield: 4 servings

• extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• coarse salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 cups arborio or carnaroli rice
• pinch of red-pepper flakes
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 cups diced ripe red tomatoes (and all juices)
• 3 to 4 cups boiling water, chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan, plus more for serving
• 2 to 4 medium tomatoes, in different colors, sliced
• chopped parsley, for garnish
• snipped basil, for garnish

1. Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, then add the onion, and season generously with salt. Add pepper to taste, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the rice and cook the onions, stirring, until the onions are barely brown, about 2 minutes.
3. Add red-pepper flakes, garlic, white wine and diced tomatoes, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes more.
4. Add 2 cups boiling water or stock and adjust the heat to a brisk simmer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring well with a wooden spoon every minute or so.
5. When the liquid is absorbed, add remaining 1 cup water or stock and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the rice is cooked, but the grains are still firm. (I added an additional cup of stock.)
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding another splash of water if necessary to loosen the mixture.
7. Turn off the heat, stir in the grated cheese and 2 more tablespoons olive oil. (I omitted the additional oil.)
8. Transfer to a low, wide serving bowl. Surround the rice with tomato slices and season them with salt and pepper.
9. Sprinkle with parsley and basil. Pass more grated cheese at the table, as desired.

Baked Risotto with Chicken Thighs & Winter Squash

I have one more butternut squash recipe to share. This creamy and hearty one-pot dish was an absolute crowd-pleaser. I used butternut squash, but this dish could also be prepared using Kabocha or acorn squash instead.

This recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart Living’s Everyday Food. I used butternut squash instead of Kabocha, substituted boneless, skinless chicken thighs for bone-in, used thyme instead of oregano, and increased the amount of garlic. I served the dish with roasted cauliflower.

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

• 3-4 T vegetable oil, divided
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large white onion, diced medium
• 4 cups of large chunks (about 1 1/4 pounds) butternut, Kabocha, or acorn squash
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 6 sprigs of thyme or oregano
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 3 1/2 cups chicken stock

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, preferably on convection.
2. In a large heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. (I used an enameled cast iron pan.)
3. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
4. In batches, cook chicken, “skin side” down, until deep golden and fat is rendered, 6 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook 1 minute more. Transfer chicken to a plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon oil, if needed, to pot. (I didn’t add additional oil and used the chicken drippings in the pot instead.)
6. Add onion and squash and cook until onion is translucent, 8 minutes.
7. Add garlic and thyme/oregano and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
8. Add rice and cook, stirring, until opaque, 1 to 2 minutes.
9. Add wine and cook, stirring, until completely evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes.
10. Add broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir to incorporate. Then return the chicken to the pot, “skin side up.”
11. Bring to a boil; cover, transfer to oven, and cook until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 25 minutes.
12. Let sit, covered, 10 minutes. Serve.

Baked Shrimp Risotto with Pesto

We’ve had a touch of spring for a couple of days in Long Island. It has been SO sunny, warm and nice. 🙂 It made me think of this dish because the pesto and lemon gave it a lot of brightness. Fortunately, I freeze giant cubes of freshly made pesto made after my final summer basil harvest.

This recipe was adapted from Food and Wine, contributed by Kay Chun. I added shallots and onions and increased the stock, garlic and the amount of lemon juice. The original recipe doesn’t incorporate white wine, and the dish was lovely without it, but I may consider adding some for extra flavor next time. I also used uncooked shrimp; it cooked very quickly in the hot risotto.

Even though I love making risotto in my pressure cooker, I’m not sure why making risotto on the stove is even necessary when it’s so simple to prepare in the oven! This dish was beyond easy to make, quick, and really delicious.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large shallot
• 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 7 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 to 1 cup of white wine, optional
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish
• 24 shelled shrimp (I used 1 pound of 21-25 count shrimp)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• fresh lemon juice from 1/2 lemon
• coarse salt
• pesto sauce, for serving (I used one giant cube of basil pesto, about 2-3 T)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°, preferably on convection.
2. In an enameled medium cast-iron casserole or pan with a lid, heat the olive oil.
3. Add the shallots and onion, and cook until soft but not brown.
4. Add the garlic and rice and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until very fragrant, 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil.
6. Cover and bake for about 20 to 22 minutes, until the rice is tender.
7. Stir in the 1/2 cup of cheese, the shrimp, butter and lemon juice; season with salt. (The shrimp is cooked when it becomes fully pink.)
8. Serve drizzled or mixed with pesto. Garnish with cheese.

One Year Ago: Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

Two Years Ago: Classic Shrimp & Grits

Three Years Ago: Greek Red Lentil Soup

Four Years Ago:

• Mushroom Risotto with Spring Herbs
• Roasted Salmon with Herbed Yogurt

Five Years Ago:

• Shrimp in Spiced Tomato Sauce
• Lentil-Kielbasa Soup
• French Onion Soup

Baked Risotto with Peas, Asparagus, & Pancetta

In case you were worried that I wasn’t embracing early spring vegetables… I have another asparagus and pea recipe to share! 😉

I almost exclusively use my pressure cooker just to make risotto. It converts an otherwise time-consuming dish into a lovely weeknight meal. Well, baking risotto performs similar magic. Fabulous!

This recipe was adapted from TheKitchn.com, contributed by Nealey Dozier. This risotto could also be par-baked in advance, the night before, and reheated on the stovetop with one or two cups of additional stock prior to serving. Perfect when entertaining guests.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• 4 ounces finely chopped pancetta (or olive oil for vegetarian version)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 large shallots (4 cloves), finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
• 1 pound pencil-thin asparagus stalks, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, or to taste
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven 400°F, preferably on convection.
2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter and shallots to the pancetta drippings and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the rice and sauté until every grain is coated with butter, about 1 minute.
4. Increase heat to high. Pour in the wine and simmer until the liquid evaporates. Add stock and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook until the liquid is almost cooked out and the risotto is creamy, about 20 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and place over moderate heat. Stir in peas and asparagus and cook until the vegetables are bright green and warmed through, about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with additional Parmesan and reserved pancetta.

To Make in Advance: Bake the risotto for 15 – 20 minutes. Cool and transfer to the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add 1 1/2 cups hot stock and vegetables and cook over medium heat until warm. Stir in the butter, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Season to taste.

One Year Ago:

• Easy Arroz con Pollo

Two Years Ago:

• Asparagus & Fava Beans with Toasted Almonds
• Mushroom Bourguignon

Three Years Ago:

• Whole Wheat Spicy Herb & Garlic Bread Loaf

Four Years Ago:

• Gnocchi with Bacon & Tomato