Keep Your Spices Current

Every once in a while it’s a good idea to check your spices to be sure they haven’t gotten stale. (I just had to replace my ground cumin and chili powder because the old ones had turned flat and flavorless.) The most important lesson in cooking--one that cannot be overemphasized--is to taste everything critically as you prepare a dish. You will be surprised at what a difference it will make.

I serve the following dish with warm tortillas (wrap your tortillas in foil and heat them in the oven at 300 degrees). You can also put some of the sauce from the chicken into your tortilla. Or try serving this dish with rice and spoon some of the tomato sauce over it.

Tijuana Chicken

Active Work Time: 30 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 1 hour

I like to use chicken legs and thighs, because they stay moist and have better flavor.

3 1/2 pounds chicken pieces, preferably dark meat

1 teaspoon salt, more to taste

1 teaspoon pepper

1 onion

3 cloves garlic

1 green bell pepper

1/4 cup oil

2 tablespoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned

1/2 cup raisins

1 1/2 cups water

Cilantro, for garnish

Season the chicken with salt and pepper and set aside.

Cut the stem top and root bottom off the onion and discard the papery skin. Cut the onion in half lengthwise and place the flat side down. Cut it into 1/4-inch slices lengthwise, then cut them into 1/4-inch pieces crosswise.

Peel the garlic and cut each clove into thin slices lengthwise. Cut each clove in small pieces crosswise; set aside with the onion.

Cut the stem and the bottom from the bell pepper, then cut it in half lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds. Cut each half into 1/2-inch strips lengthwise, then cut crosswise into quarter-inch pieces. Add to the garlic and onion.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Brown both sides of the chicken 5 to 7 minutes per side, then remove from the skillet and set aside. You may need to repeat to brown all the chicken.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, garlic and bell pepper and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin, cloves, cinnamon, chili powder, tomatoes and raisins, then return the chicken pieces to the pan and add the water. Cover the skillet and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and falls from the bone, 30 to 40 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro and serve.

6 servings. Each serving: 650 calories; 726 mg sodium; 191 mg cholesterol; 38 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 21 grams carbohydrates; 56 grams protein; 2.88 grams fiber.

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Plate and towel from Crate & Barrel stores.