Curry quick enough for a weeknight supper - especially if you use precut cauliflower and baby spinach.

Makes 4 servings, 1 1/4 cups each

ACTIVE TIME: 35 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 teaspoons canola oil
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1- to 2-inch-long julienne strips
1 medium onion, halved and sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1-2 teaspoons red curry paste, to taste (see Ingredient note)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup "lite" coconut milk
1 tablespoon fish sauce or reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups baby spinach
1 tablespoon lime juice
Lime wedges

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and onion; cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, ginger and curry paste; stir to mix. Add chicken and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in broth, coconut milk, fish sauce (or soy sauce) and brown sugar; bring to a simmer. Add cauliflower, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in spinach and lime juice; cook just until spinach has wilted. Serve immediately, with lime wedges.

Vegetarian variation: Substitute 1 pound extra-firm tofu (drained) for the chicken and vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Per serving: 240 calories; 14 g fat (4 g sat, 1 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 16 g protein; 4 g fiber; 376 mg sodium.
Nutrition bonus: 88 mg vitamin c (150% dv), 30% dv vitamin a, 3 mg iron (20% dv), 16% dv fiber, 161 mg calcium (15% dv).

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 252 calories; 8 g fat (4 g sat, 2 g mono); 67 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 31 g protein; 2 g fiber; 349 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (150% daily value), Vitamin A (30% dv), Potassium (16% dv).

TIP: Ingredient Note: A blend of chile peppers, garlic, lemongrass and galanga (a rhizome with a flavor similar to ginger), commercial Asian curry paste is a convenient way to add heat and complexity to a recipe. Look for it in small jars or cans in the Asian section of the store. Brands differ in spiciness so use sparingly. Once opened, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerator for up to 2 days.

RELATED RECIPES: Thai Beef Salad | Pad Thai | Tofu with Thai Curry Sauce | Asian Green Bean Stir-Fry | Peanut Noodles with Shredded Chicken & Vegetables

It was tasteless! I had to visit my spicerack afterwards to get any flavor out of it.

Anonymous

We tried this as I am allergic to peanuts and can not eat Thai food out. We liked this as an alternative.

Teri, Tampa, FL