Ingredients

  • 3 Cardamom pods, removed from shells
  • 1.5 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
  • .5 teaspoons whole fennel seeds
  • .5 teaspoons whole mustard seeds
  • .5 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • 3 dried medjool dates, pitted and soaked in boiling water for a few minutes
  • i can full-fat coconut milk (13.6oz)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon tumeric powder
  • .5 teaspoons chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon oil, for cooking
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 3 tablespoons yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • fresh lemon juice, to taste
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 small carrot, shredded
  • 1 scallion, diced
  • 1-2 stalks of celery, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely diced
  • 5 dried medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
  • .25 cups pistachios, roughly chopped

Method

  • In a small skillet over medium heat, toast whole spices (cardamom, cumin seed, coriander seed, fennel seed, mustard seeds, black peppercorns) until fragrant; allow to cool. Coarsely grind spices in a mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder.
  • Add soaked dates, coconut milk, ginger, and lemon juice to a blender and blend until smooth. Add toasted spices, turmeric powder, chili flakes, and salt and blend for a few more seconds. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the marinade and store in the fridge for later use in the dressing.
  • Combine chicken thighs and remaining marinade in a large bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. Place plastic wrap directly on chicken and allow to marinate in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Remove the chicken from marinade, shaking off the excess. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then cut into 1 inch chunks. Place the chicken in a covered bowl until thoroughly chilled.
  • Make the dressing while chicken is cooling. Whisk together reserved marinade, yogurt, and mayonnaise. Add fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Note: You could easily use more mayonnaise instead of the yogurt to make the recipe dairy-free.
  • Assemble the salad. Combine the chicken, dressing, carrots, scallions, celery, parsley, dates, and pistachios in a large bowl. Note: the pistachios will lose their crunch when refrigerated so wait to add them if you are not serving the salad right away.
  • Serve over greens or over thick-sliced bread.