Chicken and Fruit Fricassee

Chef Jeff Nathan, owner /Chef of Abigael’s on Broadway sent us one of his favorite yom tov recipes:

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup dry figs
• ¾ cup dry apricots, diced
• ¾ cup golden raisins
• 2 cups water, warm
• ¼ cup brandy
• pinch saffron
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup olive oil
• saffron
• 2 3 pound chickens, cut into eighths
• 2 onions, diced medium
• 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
• 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine the dry fruits with the water.
2. Set aside and allow to plump at least 30 minutes.
3. Drain and reserve the fruit water.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine the brandy with the saffron & cinnamon.
5. Allow to steep 20 – 30 minutes. Stir well.
6. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour.
7. In a large sauté pan of hot olive oil, brown the chicken on both sides.
8. Transfer chicken to an ovenproof casserole.
9. Pour off most of the remaining oil.
10. Add the onions and garlic.
11. Stir occasionally and cook until translucent.
12. Add the dry fruits, tomato, brandy mix and reserved fruit water.
13. Using a whisk, scrape the bottom of the pan for the pan drippings.
14. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
15. Bake, uncovered at 350˚ F. for approximately 1 hour; or until the chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
16. Serve with couscous, rice pilaf, or herb simmered new potatoes.

Well, gentle reader, having eaten quite a few delightful lunches and dinners at Abigael‘s, having tried a lot of the recipes in Jeff Nathan’s Family Suppers, I know this one will be a special treat and… I plan to have in the Sukkah!

CS

Chicken and Fruit Fricassee