Simanim Chicken
Preptime
Feeds
Cooktime
n/a
n/a
n/a
INGREDIENTS
Carrot mixture
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 medium onions, sliced into ½ moon rings
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3 10oz bags shredded carrots
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1-½ cups dried dates, pitted and quartered
2 cups white wine
⅓ cup honey
8 pieces Empire Kosher® Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken Spices
Olive oil
Honey
Cumin
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F.
2. Set aside two 9”x13” pans.
3. In a sauté pan on medium heat add oil until it gets hot, then add onions and cook until they are translucent. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt followed by the carrots.
4. Sauté the carrots and onions for several minutes on low until carrots are soft. Add in the cumin and cinnamon, stir. Add in the dates, wine and honey. Mix well and cover and let simmer on low for 10 minutes. This process will plump up the dates and release their flavor.
5. After 10 minutes split the carrot mixture into the 2 prepared pans.
6. Place 4 pieces of chicken into each pan and season with spices.
7. Rub with small amount of oil and drizzle with honey, smearing all over each piece of chicken.
8. Cover each pan with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
9. After 40 minutes, baste the chicken with the juices in the pan and finish cooking for another 30 minutes uncovered, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Contributed by Naomi Nachman
Naomi's Take
In search of health and prosperity this new year? Then do I have the perfect recipe for you! The combination is not only a tongue-twister (“cinnamon and simanim”) but it is my creation for a very special Rosh Hashana celebration.
For the first evening meal of the holiday, I am serving a variety of dishes, each featuring one of the simanim (symbolic foods that one eats on Rosh Hashana which we hope will bring about a prosperous and healthy new year). When you pair naturally juicy and flavorful Empire Kosher Chicken Leg Quarters with the traditional tzimmus of carrots, honey and dates (all of which are simanim), the result is a gorgeous masterpiece.
The colors in this dish are beautiful, and the sweet and savory notes complement the crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Empire chicken. Its utter perfection comes from the simplicity and satisfying deliciousness of this holiday dish. Enjoy, and Shana Tova!