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The ‘Freshman 15’ is an expression commonly referred to as the amount of weight a student gains in the first year of college and university. Greta and Janet Podleski, authors of the best selling book Looneyspoons are here with some tips to avoid the ‘Freshman 15’.

Indian Coconut-Curry Chicken Thighs
with Sweet Potatoes and Green Peas

Fragrant and fantastic! This one-pot wonderful, super-savory supper can be made in about 30 minutes.
Serve on a bed of brown basmati rice, quinoa or whole wheat couscous.

1 tbsp olive oil
2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1-1/2 cups chopped onions
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp EACH freshly grated gingerroot, medium curry powder and Garam Masala (Say what? See tip below.)
1 can (14 oz/398 mL) light coconut milk
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp brown sugar (optional)
½ tsp salt
1-1/2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro

You’ll need a large (12-inch) non-stick skillet with a lid for this recipe.

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and brown on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

To same skillet, add onions and garlic. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir until onions begin to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add gingerroot, curry powder and garam masala. Mix well. Add coconut milk, tomato paste, brown sugar (if using) and salt. Cook and stir until mixture is bubbly and well blended. Stir in sweet potatoes. Return chicken pieces to skillet and spoon sauce over top. It won’t look very pretty at this point but hang in there. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in green peas and cook for 5 more minutes, just until peas are heated through. Stir in cilantro and serve hot.

Makes 4 to 5 servings

Recipe Tip: If you’ve never tried Garam Masala spice blend, now’s your chance! It’s a highly aromatic blend of roasted, ground spices used in Indian cooking: coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and black peppercorns. We love it and you really must try it! Look for McCormick brand Garam Masala in the spice aisle of your grocery store. (You’ll also find it in just about any gourmet food shop.) Like really spicy food? Then add a pinch of cayenne pepper to this recipe.

Per serving (based on 5 servings): 388 calories, 16 g total fat (6 g saturated fat), 39 g protein, 20 g carbohydrate, 3.7 g fiber, 151 mg cholesterol, 445 mg sodium