Thai Green Chicken Curry with Coconut Rice

With the subtle sweetness of coconut and traditional Asian ingredients and flavours, this mouthwatering spring-inspired meal will delight parents and kids alike. Served with coconut brown rice, it’s a simple and healthy weeknight meal.

1 cup U.S. long grain brown rice (250 mL)
1 cup coconut milk (can be low fat), divided (250 mL)
2 cups gluten-free vegetable or chicken broth, divided (500 mL)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into thin strips (454 g)
1 tsp each, baking soda and corn starch (5 mL)
1 tbsp low sodium gluten-free soy sauce (15 mL)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (30 mL)
1 cup snap peas, trimmed (250 mL)
1 cup sliced red pepper (250 mL)
1 cup red onion, sliced (250 mL)
1 cup button mushrooms, halved (250 mL)
2 tbsp Thai green curry paste (30 mL)
1 cup torn fresh basil leaves (250 mL)
2 tsp fresh lime juice (10 mL)
In saucepan, combine rice with 1/2 cup (125 mL) coconut milk and 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) broth. Stir. Bring to boil over medium-high heat and reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat.

In a bowl, combine chicken with baking soda, cornstarch and soy sauce, mixing well to coat chicken. Let sit while preparing vegetables.

In large heavy skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook chicken just until browned on the outside, about 5 minutes (will not be cooked through; will finish cooking in sauce). Transfer to clean bowl. Add snap peas, red pepper and onions; sprinkle with salt and pepper, stirring frequently until onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes.

Stir in curry paste; cook until paste begins to darken, about 3 minutes. Add remaining coconut milk, scraping any brown residue from the bottom of the pan. Add remaining chicken broth and reserved chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are tender crisp and sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil and lime juice. Serve over brown coconut rice.

Makes 6 servings.

Tip: Add a couple of fresh lime leaves and replace regular basil with Thai basil for a more authentic flavour profile. This recipe can also be easily adjusted for vegetarians by replacing chicken with cubed firm or extra firm tofu.

PER SERVING: about 380 cal, 24 g pro, 10 g total fat (6 g sat fat), 35 g carb, 4 g fibre, 45 mg chol, 470 mg sodium. %RDI: iron 15%, calcium 6%, vit A 35%, vit C 90%

Recipe courtesy of the USA Rice Federation. For more recipe ideas, visit www.riceinfo.com.