Chicken and pasta with jalapeno and tomato dressing

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2Cloves garlic
1tablespoonMinced fresh ginger
2teaspoonsGround cumin
3tablespoonsRed-wine vinegar
¼cupOlive oil
Salt and pepper
8Chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
JALAPENO and TOMATO DRESSING
4Tomatoes
2Jalapenos or other fresh hot chili peppers
2Cloves garlic
1smallRed onion
1cupMinced fresh mint
1cupMinced fresh coriander
2tablespoonsRed-wine vinegar
2tablespoonsOlive oil
Salt and pepper
½poundsFusilli or other dry pasta

Directions

Mint and/or coriander sprigs (optional garnish) PREPARATION: Mince the garlic and ginger. In a bowl, combine garlic, ginger, cumin, the 3 tablespoons vinegar, the ¼ cup olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken, stir to coat, and let stand at room temperature, stirring once or twice, for about 1½ hours.

For the Jalapeno and Tomato Dressing, peel, seed and chop the tomatoes and place into a large bowl. Seed and mince the jalapenos.

Mince the garlic and onion. Mince the mint and coriander. Add the garlic, onion, jalapenos, mint and coriander to the bowl with the tomatoes. Stir in 2 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt to taste and let stand at room temperature, stirring once or twice, for at least 45 minutes. Recipe can be made to this point a few hours ahead.

COOKING and SERVING: Heat the grill. If using wood chips, soak a handful in water for 20 minutes. Put chips on the fire. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally and brushing with the marinade, until crisp and dark brown on both sides, about 15 minutes total. Or broil for about 20 minutes

Cook the pasta in a lerge pot of boiling, salted water until just tender. Drain and toss immediately with the tomato dressing.

Season pasta to taste with salt and pepper and put onto plates. Top each serving with 2 grilled chicken thighs and granish with mint and/or coriander sprigs. Serve warm.

Yield: 4 servings

[ The Best of COOKS Magazine; 1987 ] Posted by Fred Peters.