Chicken Mulligatawny Soup (Slow Cooker)

2 (about 500 g) chicken breasts, skinless, bone-in
2 Tbsp (30 mL) butter
1 cup (250 mL) red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp (30 mL) fresh ginger, minced
½ tsp (2.5 mL) chili pepper flakes
2 Tbsp (30 mL) curry powder
6 cloves, whole
¼ tsp (1.25 mL) nutmeg, ground
2 Granny Smith apples, raw with skin, diced
1 red pepper, diced
2 cups (500 mL) sweet potato, cubed
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium carrots, diced
¼ cup (60 mL) red lentils, dry
½ cup (125 mL) dry white wine
8 cups (2 L) water
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
2 Tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 cup (250 mL) long grain brown rice, dry
1 cup (250 mL) plain yogurt, 2% to 4% MF
½ cup (125 mL) almonds, sliced
½ cup (125 mL) fresh parsley, sprigs (for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, chili pepper flakes, curry powder, cloves and nutmeg for a few minutes. Add apple, red pepper, sweet potato, celery, carrot and sauté about another 10 minutes until softened.
2. Meanwhile, add chicken breasts to bottom of slow cooker. Top with sautéed vegetables, lentils, white wine and water. Cover and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours. Make sure lentils are soft and dissolved into soup.
3. Remove chicken from bone and dice. Add back to pot. Season with salt and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings adding more curry powder if needed.
4. Cook rice separately according to package directions during the last hour.
5. To serve, place a scoop of rice in centre of shallow soup bowl and ladle soup over rice. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of almonds and a sprig of fresh parsley.

Note: This is a healthy remake of a classic Anglo-Indian soup. The name literally means "pepper water." The lemon juice added at the end is a must to heighten and brighten the flavours.

Nutrients

Calories 240
Protein (g) 15
Total Fat (g) 6
Saturated Fat (g) 2
Carbohydrate (g) 32
Fibre (g) 4
Cholesterol (mg) 30
%DV
Sodium 12
Potassium 15
Calcium 8
Iron 10
Vitamin A 8
Vitamin C 35
Folate 1
Vitamin B12 14

Complementary Wines: Champagne, Cider, Fruit Wine: Apple, Gewürztraminer Late Harvest, Riesling: Late Harvest

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