Thursday, September 2, 2010

Chicken Curry In A Hurry


I know you're all familiar with the freshman 15. What about the food blogger 15? When you're barely 5'3", fifteen pounds makes a big difference! For the past couple months I've been making feeble attempts to lose the weight. Until now. I can honestly say that I've been successfully dieting for the past month and have lost 8 of those nasty 15 pounds!

I haven't cut out all my favorite foods, but I have revamped my diet to include more whole grains, fiber and yes....way less fat. If I want to indulge (example: Symon's Sopressata Sandwich) then I make a little mini version of that recipe, which has been working out well. I've also joined Weight Watchers online to keep track of my food intake and also because they have a pretty nifty tool called a Recipe Builder. You can input your recipe and see the point value for each serving. This Recipe Building tool helps me to know whether the recipe I want to make is something that I should make.

Mark Bittman's Chicken Curry in a Hurry
definitely qualifies as a healthy recipe and better yet, it's quick and easy. I served the chicken curry on top of some pretty red tomato couscous, which made for a very colorful meal.

Chicken Curry In A Hurry
Adapted from Kitchen Express by Mark Bittman
In about a tablespoon of oil, cook a sliced onion, teaspoon of curry powder and some salt and pepper for about three minutes. Season chicken tenders (I used two sliced chicken breasts) with salt, pepper, and more curry powder. Nestle the chicken between the onions, and cook for about two minutes on each side; remove the chicken and set aside. Add a cup of plain yogurt, or sour cream (I used 0% Fage Greek Yogurt) to the pan and stir, cooking for another minute or so (do not boil). Return the chicken to the pan and cook for another few minutes turning once, until everything is cooked and warmed through. Adjust the seasonings and serve over couscous or jasmine rice.

Notes/Results:
A guilt-free creamy dish, this is a healthy and colorful meal that you can have on the table in around 10-15 minutes. The yogurt and curry powder combine to make a very tangy and warmly spiced meal. I did make some changes to the recipe. I reduced the oil to 2 teaspoons and used two chicken breasts and half of an onion. I do recommend chopping or dicing the onion instead of slicing. Not only would it look better, it would be easier to eat. I also think this recipe would be great with some extra veggies thrown in.

**Weight Watchers Info**
The chicken curry made four servings at 3 points each
1/2 cup couscous is 2 points
Total point value for chicken curry and couscous 5 points
-The average woman gets about 20-25 points per day, depending on size and activity levels. Most of the meals that I've been making have been between 6-8 points, so this recipe is really excellent because of it's low point value.



This is my entry for I Heart Cooking Clubs where we are celebrating Crunchy vs. Creamy! I knew right away that I would chose creamy...creamy food is so comforting!

Also, this month is the last month that we will be cooking with Mark Bittman at IHCC. Next month we will usher in a new lady chef. Who will it be? Giada DeLaurentiis, Lidia Bastianich, Cat Cora or Sara Moulton? Don't miss your chance to vote for your favorite!


I'm also excited to say that my Dad and his wife are coming for a visit this weekend. They usually only make it down once a year, so it is a special time for us. I probably won't be around very much and wanted to wish you all a wonderful Labor Day weekend! I hope you get to eat lots of yummy food:)

25 comments:

  1. Congrats Kim! I am currently trying to knock off my food blogger fifteen...slowly but surely. I got serious this week when I stepped on the scale and saw a number I really didn't like. I guess there WAS a reason that I was avoiding getting on it :P

    This curry sounds fantastic! I love that it's healthy as well...it will definitely be going into my rotation!

    Have fun with your dad this weekend!

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  2. Congrats on the weight loss. I think I have the blogger 30. I was always successful with WW and it is time to visit them. And the curry in a hurry? Most definitely!

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  3. Hi! I just stubbled on your blog and love it! I LOVE Weight Watchers!! It really teaches you about portion control and healthy eating habits!
    I love the curry recipe! I'd eat a shoe if you put curry on it. :)

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  4. I feel you on the "blogger 15" LOL I'm only 5'2 so 15 pounds makes a big difference for me too. I've been trying to lose as well but it makes it hard when you blog. Your meal looks great and WW is always fantastic since you can still eat pretty much anything. Congrats on your weight loss so far :o)

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  5. Congrats on the weight loss! That's awesome. I have been eyeballing this curry for a while now--it looks really delicious. Love that bright, colorful tomato couscous--so pretty. ;-)

    Have a great weekend--enjoy the time with your Dad.

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  6. Congrats on your weight loss, Kim! Keep up the good work. Weight Watchers is such a help...I've gone that route too.

    I love the post title...it says it all.
    Have a lovely weekend with family!

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  7. Well done on the weight loss! And more importantly by reducing fat intake, your no doubt improving your health too! This curry looks just amazing, guess what im craving now! Thanks lol ;)

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  8. Good job on the weight loss!

    Question for you...what kind of curry powder did you use? I've tried curry in the past and didn't like it. I think it's b/c I used some general McCormick type of powder. What would you suggest?

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  9. Congrats on your weight loss. Wow, you are taller than me, I'm 5'2", LOL, and I agree, any little bit of extra weight you definitely feel. I bet you feel a lot better just losing the 8!
    I really need to make more curry as my husband loves it but it never seems to cross my mind. I will give your recipe a go.

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  10. Oh, dang...I thought it was the foodie 25! LOL, I need to cut back but my real issue is not eating so late!

    Happy Friday!
    ~ingrid

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  11. I am so with you, Kim! The scale hasn't been my best friend lately, either, and I am trying, but not hard enough apparently! COngrats to you for making it work!

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  12. Ah yes, I'm all to familiar with the blogger 100 LOL!
    Greek Yogurt is a great diet trick for curries, and as a mayo substitute. Congrats on loosing the 8 pounds! I know its not easy.
    *kisses* HH

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  13. Congrats - losing 8 lbs is quite an accomplishment. It's not easy, that's for sure!

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  14. Congrats on losing weight Kim! This chicken curry sounds fast, easy and so delicious! It's something I could whip up for myself since my family won't eat it. (Their loss!)

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  15. Congratulations on your weight loss! I'm there with you on the blogger 15. LOL That recipe looks great. I love healthy recipes that taste great. Thanks for posting.

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  16. Congrats on the weight loss. I love Mark Bittman and this recipe is going to be in the rotation....

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  17. Lovely curry! I agree, food blogging adds the pounds.. well, more of us to love!
    Have a wonderful holiday weekend.☺

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  18. Congrats on the 8lbs--that's a great accomplishment--keep it up! And this recipe goes to show, healthy does not have to be boring by any means!!

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  19. A delicious guilt-free creamy dish - sounds like something I'd better try!

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  20. Kim, congrats on the weight loss. I joined Weight Watchers online 3 years ago and lost a total of 28 lbs. and have managed to keep it off. I think their programs are great. Way to go! And your curry looks scrumptious. I love curry, sounds like a great recipe, thanks for sharing!

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  21. Well, I gained both 15's...for sure. And you mean, you can lose it? Huhn. Didn't realize ;) LOL...this sounds fabulous! I love any curry...and it's especially nice if it's in a hurry! tee hee...

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  22. I love curry and this sounds really nice and easy, love that it's WW friendly too, I'll have to give it a try this week.

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  23. Great recipe. Love the title of it too! :o)

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  24. looks great and great job on the weight loss thanks for coming to India with me lol

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  25. Have a great visit with your dad! This dish sounds delish. I pretty much love anything with a bit of curry added in. And low fat just makes it all the better!

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