P. G. Chicken Pot

This dish was inspired by my friend Elvira D.  One thing about her is everyone knows she loves to dance.  Her energy is that of at 19 year old.  I will say that she is living life and found her lane.  We connected because she is a foodie and a Kappa Sweet heart (another story).  We both attended Oklahoma State University but crossed paths maybe once or never, it's been that long.  Go Pokes!

I was able to purchase my ingredients from a grocery store in Brooklyn, NY.  Three Guys from Brooklyn has to be a good market.  If now I know where to find them.  I felt like a real native as I walked up the sidewalk towards the entrance.

Single pot dishes are great for the home chef that doesn't want to do a much pampering while cooking and doesn't like to be precise.  The ingredients for this dish are really simple and easy to find.  I really like to make it on date night because the cooking level and or interest of your date doesn't matter.  You can still get them involved in cutting something.  I find that most people like to cut stuff.  Just don't let them cut themselves.  Bloody food is not better.

To kick this dish off, you will need 1 cup of Red Cabbage sliced, 1/2 cup of julienned Carrots, 1/2 cup of Broccoli, 1 medium Onion sliced, 1 cup of quartered Button Mushrooms, 1/2 cup of chopped Kale, 1 diced Jalapeno and a 12 ounce can of Goya Black Beans (rinsed and drained).

Pre-heat a large cast iron pan of med high heat.  Add 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to a pan.  Then add all the ingredients above and toss with a wooden spoon.  If I were making this dish, I would sautee my onions first then add the remaining ingredients.  This will allow the onions to caramelize.  Honestly, the layperson

At this point you can add 1 tablespoon of your favorite salt.  I'm using a Kosher Salt at the moment.  When I get a few extra dollars, I might try a more exotic salt.  Crack black pepper to taste and a quick stir will be enough to season this dish.  I don't like a lot of salt therefore you might want to add more or less.

You can used leftover grilled chicken for this dish.  If you don't have any, here is a quick recipe. Season two large chicken breast with salt and pepper.  Slicing the breast in half length wise will yield more meat for the final dish.  Also, this will shorten the cooking time.  Pre-heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil and 1 tablespoon of Butter.  Sauté the chicken on each side of three minutes.  The won't be totally done.  This will allow for more cooking later and prevent drying the meat out, yuck.

Add the chicken to the pot with the veggies and beans.  Add 1 cup of chicken stock and cover for 15 minutes thus reducing the liquid.  Plate and garnish with cilantro and enjoy.