RFCJ RECIPE ARCHIVE
Posted by : Ruth Heiges Chicken with Pomegranates #2: Ohf Rimonim - meat
In Israel, the pomegranate has seniority over the apple as a Rosh Hashana tradition and symbol, since it is native to the region and ripens at the end of the summer. It is said that the fruit contains as many seeds as there are biblical commandments: 613. Pomegranate Chicken ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From a decades-old community cookbook: Hadassah's Cuisine International Wilkes-Barre Chapter, Eastern PA Region 3 pomegranates 6 whole chicken legs 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning 1/6 tsp pepper 1 tsp salt 2 Tbsp cooking oil 2 Tbsp margarine [I think one can opt for oil, only.] 1 onion, chopped 1 Tbsp tomato paste or sauce 1-1/2 cups chicken broth 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp sugar (optional) 1-1/2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 Tbsp water orange slices parsley sprigs for garnish pomegranate seeds Halve the pomegranates. Save some seeds for garnish. Squeeze halves using a juicer. Strain and measure the juice to get as close to 3/4 cup as you can. Add water, if needed, to get 3/4 cup liquid. Rub chicken legs with poultry seasoning, pepper and salt. Brown chicken well in heated oil and margarine. Remove to a covered baking dish as pieces brown. Drain off drippings, saving 1 Tbsp. Return this to the pan. Saute' onion, then blend in tomato paste. Add broth, lemon juice, cinnamon and pomegranate juice. Bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add sugar, if desired, for sweetness. Pour sauce over chicken in baking dish. Cover and bake in 350 F oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes. Pour sauce from baking pan into small saucepan. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and clear. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Garnish with orange slices, parsley sprigs and pomegranate seeds.
