Chicken Curry Jorj’s Way Featuring Kitchens of Africa

Chicken Curry Jorj’s Way Featuring Kitchens of Africa

Face Your Foodie Fears

Spice up your dinner tonight with this extraordinary chicken and cauliflower recipe, featuring North Carolina’s Kitchens of Africa. Treat yourself to a taste of adventure by indulging in fried chickpeas and light yet creamy lime-avocado yogurt!

Hubby and I are embarked on an African adventure!

Besides the shots, mosquito repellent, neutral-colored clothing, and hats, the one thing I’m happy to pre-plan is the food!

Although springing up in several cities, African fare is still a unique meal to find.

It just so happens that when reading several of the MUST-HAVE holiday gift guides, I came across Kitchens of Africa, a company with a mission to bring the diverse and exotic cuisine of Africa to the rest of the world. 

Originating in Raleigh, North Carolina, Kitchens of Africa offers a variety of sauces that we can use to bring the flavors of Africa to our home kitchens. 

Of course, I bought a box from Kitchens of Africa and received four different jars with recipes to go along with each. 

 

I decided to start with the Zanzibari Curry Simmer Sauce. I chopped some veggies and chicken and simmered them in the sauce. It was delish! 

If you have a craving for curry, and you haven’t placed your order from Kitchens of Africa, do not worry. 

I’ve included a recipe from Canvas and Cuisine that will hold you over until you do!

Chicken and Cauliflower Curry
With Lime-Avocado Yogurt and Fried Chickpeas

Servings

Serves 4 as a Main or 6 as a Side

 

Ready In:

60 Minutes

Good For:

Dinner

Ingredients:

2 tablespoon olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, peeled and diced, about 1 cup
4 garlic cloves, peeled and diced, about 2 tablespoons
2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated, about 2 tablespoons
1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded, veins and stem removed, finely diced, about 1 tablespoon
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 cinnamon stick
2 cups homemade chicken stock or prepared low sodium broth
1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
½ cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarse black pepper

For yogurt:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 ripe avocado, peeled, seed removed
2 small green onions, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lime, about 1 tablespoon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For chickpeas:
1 (15-ounce can) chickpeas
½ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Zest 1 lime, about 1 teaspoon

Heat olive oil in a skillet with deep sides over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces into the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides. Season with some salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to a platter.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, ginger, jalapeno, tomato paste, curry powder, garam masala, and cinnamon stick to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Your kitchen should begin to smell like curry! Stir in the chicken broth. Add the cauliflower to the skillet and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Add the tomatoes, sautéed chicken, and coconut milk. Cook for 5 minutes more. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the cauliflower tender but not mushy, about 15 to 20 minutes more. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Use a hand mixer, blender, or immersion blender to blend the yogurt and avocado until smooth. Stir in the green onions, lime juice, and cilantro. Taste and season with salt.

Rinse, drain and pat dry chickpeas. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chickpeas into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. If your pan is not very large you can do this in batches. Remove the chickpeas to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and lime zest. Toss to coat.

Serve the cauliflower and chicken curry in a bowl garnished with a spoonful of lime–avocado yogurt and sprinkled with fried chickpeas.

Tried it? Tag it!

I would love to see what you did with this recipe.  Share your creation by tagging #inthekitchenwithjorj and with Scrumptious Possibilities With Jorj, my free private home cooking group.

Countdown to Good Taste! Best 2022 Recipes

Countdown to Good Taste! Best 2022 Recipes

Can you believe 2023 is almost here?!

Check out my top recipes of 2022 and discover why these dishes were all the rage in home kitchens across the country (and for good reason!).

These recipes are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.

If you’re looking for some new recipe ideas to add to your repertoire, or just curious about what all the fuss was about, check out my best recipes from 2022.

Happy cooking and Happy New Year!

Cooking With Mushrooms and Spinach

Spinach Au Gratin With Sauteed Mushrooms

I LOVE cooking mushrooms. This humble fungi inspire my dishes with their complex flavors and many uses.

Spinach Au Gratin With Sauteed Mushrooms is one of my favorite recipes that is easy to make and will make you feel like a celebrity chef!

Southern Style Charcuterie with This Cocktail Pairing…

Southern Style Charcuterie

My Southern-Style Charcuterie board is really something to behold, and your guests won’t believe the spread when you set out this showstopper.

My board is PACKED with deviled eggs, spiced crackers, pimento spread, pickled okra, millionaire’s bacon, cilantro shrimp, and an assortment of turkey and ham roll-ups!

Wash it down with my prickly pear cocktail, inspired by strolls at the Farmer’s Market.

I Did It My Way! Veal Sinatra Inspired By Locanda Rustica

Veal Sinatra Recipe Inspired By Locanda Rustica

A cast-iron skillet. Thick slices of eggplant. A ladleful of marinara sauce and a double-topping of cheese. 

Take advantage of your favorite variety of eggplant using this simple frying technique to create a super Italian-inspired dish and make eggplant parm magic tonight!

how to make easy grilled veggies for memorial day

Schnitzel Parmesan & Schnitzel Milanese

Make pork two ways with this freezer-friendly meal, perfect for remixing your dinner ingredients without getting bored!

how to make easy grilled veggies for memorial day

Spring Dinner Party Menu Featuring Fresh Dinner Salads

Steal my very best springtime entertaining ideas that will guarantee you have just as much fun as your guests with these main course salad ideas!

  • Grilled Flank Steak With Roasted Onions, Sliced Tomatoes, Blue Cheese and Poblano Pepper Vinaigrette
  • Poached Chicken In Tuna Sauce
  • Roasted Salmon In the Grass With Cucumber Mint Sauce
  • Farmer’s Market Orzo Salad 
  • Sunshine Cake from Sunday Best Dishes
how to make easy grilled veggies for memorial day

The Only Fruit Chutney Recipe You’ll Ever Need 

If you’re looking for the easiest chutney recipe, look no further.

This is the best peach chutney recipe that can be used with a variety of fruits and is great on crackers, sandwiches, or even cheese plates.

Learn how to make fancy chutney with the only chutney recipe you’ll ever need from Jorj’s kitchen!

 

how to make easy grilled veggies for memorial day

Party Dip Recipe Ideas

I have made my fair share of chips and dips over the years, every which way and for just about every occasion.

From appetizers to party take-along to afternoon snacks, the versatile chips and dip dish strikes a satisfying balance of keeping us just the right amount of being full before a big meal (or in-between them)!

Holidays With Jorj and Sue! Festive Focaccia + Acrylic Art

Holidays With Jorj and Sue! Festive Focaccia + Acrylic Art

I am SO excited to share with you my easy holiday focaccia recipe!

This delicious side dish is the perfect way to get creative and crafty this holiday season.

Whether you are looking for a unique centerpiece or just some tasty treats to enjoy with family and friends, this easy recipe is sure to please.

 

Is It Easy To Make Bread Dough At Home? YES!

How To Embed Veggies In Foccaccia Bread

INGREDIENTS FOR GARDEN ART FOCACCIA BREAD

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 ¾ cups warm water

5 cups unbleached all-purpose

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 cup olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon dried thyme 

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Fun Veggies: Roasted red peppers, English peas, etc.

Tried it? Tag it!

I would love to see what you did with this recipe.  Share your creation by tagging #inthekitchenwithjorj and with Scrumptious Possibilities With Jorj, my free private home cooking group.

How to make holiday art focaccia bread

Place the yeast and sugar into a small bowl. Stir in the warm water. Place the bowl in a warm place until the yeast is bubbling and fragrant, about 15 minutes. I use the proof setting on my warming drawer for this.

Use an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook to combine the flour, salt, ½ cup of olive oil and the yeast to form a dough. Once the dough comes together, continue to knead the dough in the machine until smooth. Stop the machine and check the dough every couple of minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic, hold its shape around the dough hook and spring back when you indent it with your finger. This takes anywhere from 5 to 8 minutes using the mixer. If you are kneading by hand, knead until you can’t knead anymore!

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it by hand for an additional 30 seconds. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle with additional flour. Form the dough into a ball and transfer to a bowl that has been lightly coated with olive oil. Cover and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. I use my warming drawer for this step, too.

Pour the remaining cup of olive oil onto a 12 ½ x 17 ½ x 1-inch jelly roll pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, stretching it out to fill the pan. Turn and coat with oil on both sides. Use your finger to poke indentations into the dough. These will be the “nooks and crannies” to hold the seasoning in the next step. Place the dough in a warm place to rise again, for 1 hour. Yep, the warming drawer is still the best place!

Preheat the oven to 400°. Transfer the pan from its warm place. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, sea salt, thyme, and rosemary. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Bake until the top of the bread is golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cool the bread in the pan before cutting into squares.

The Art of The Fresh Market

Grab the book that contains my favorite travel adventures, with inspired original artwork by artist Susan Fazio.
New Year, Old Friends and the Birth of This Book

Join Jorj In The Kitchen!

Join Jorj for Meal Inspiration & Home Foodie Conversation!

Stop Holiday Food Waste With These Recipe Remixes

Stop Holiday Food Waste With These Recipe Remixes

Stop Food Waste Leftover Remix

Throw out your Thanksgiving leftovers? Think again! You may have a few dishes that you can breathe new life into before it’s time to toss. Take a look and see how you can reduce holiday food waste!

I try to reduce food waste with my lovingly prepared holiday meals where possible, and I’m sure you’ll agree that it feels good to create new dishes instead of throwing out leftovers!

Freezing leftover turkey and sides will extend the life of the leftovers and create new foundations for future dishes.

November 29th is observed as “Throw Out Your Leftovers Day” and I say repurpose what you can safely and deliciously!

As a reminder, always follow the latest USDA guidelines on safe leftover consumption and when in doubt, toss it out!

Turkey Ravioli With Homemade Ricotta

Making ravioli is easier than you think when you pick up wonton wrappers in advance of this recipe remix. This recipe works whether you have leftover chicken OR leftover turkey…It’s PERFECT!

And if you need a homemade ricotta recipe, I have that, too.

Yum! Monte Cristo Sandwiches after Thanksgiving!

Jorj’s Monte Cristo

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a sweet-meets-savory classic that’s so yummy, it’s been on Disneyland’s Blue Bayou and Tahitian Terrace menus since 1966!

My recipe calls for turkey and ham – or just one of the two – generous amounts of sweet cranberry sauce, and slices of Muenster cheese – made in a cast iron skillet.

Leftover Turkey Shepard’s Pie

Who says you can’t transform those last scraps of turkey into a HEAVENLY Shepard’s Pie? When you follow my instructions and pipe the sweet potato onto the top of the casserole dish in artful little dollops, compliments will follow! Substitute the lamb for your turkey and you’ll be set.

Leftover Potatoes, So Many Ways!

Don’t settle for potatoes one way when you can make potatoes into several delightful dishes, like leftover Mashed Potato Croquettes or a hearty Breakfast Skillet with Glazed Eggs!

It’s not hard to find an excuse to eat more pototoes…but if you need ideas to jazz up your leftover potatoes, you have come to the right place!

Shop Jorj's Cookbooks

7 Cookbooks and Counting!
Pick up a cookbook (or 3)

Turkey Day! It’s All in the Planning

Turkey Day! It’s All in the Planning

Thanksgiving is here AGAIN!

If you want to enjoy Thanksgiving as much as everyone you have invited to dinner, a little advance planning is the key.

Let’s take the stress out of the meal.

Here’s my sure fire guide to making sure that this year’s Thanksgiving is sooooo much FUN for everyone…especially you! Start early.

If you breakdown a complicated meal into smaller parts, you’ll finish your tasks ahead of time.

Two Weeks Ahead

Make your meal plan.

Make a list of the dishes you plan to cook, those you’re going to pick up, and those that others are bringing to the party.

Make a grocery list of the ingredients you need. Sort your list by departments: dairy, produce, pantry staples, meats, and poultry.

|This makes your trip to the grocery store a lot easier to maneuver.

 Take stock of your bar and include wine, mixers, and garnishes on your list.

 

After your grocery list is prepared, check your pantry to see which items you’ve already stocked and cross them off your list. (You’re already making progress!)

 

Now, place any orders you need to make. The turkey, of course (I like to order a fresh turkey), bakery goods and specialty items.

Hey! If you are thinking about some Brussels Sprouts in your turkey day meal plan… watch out for next week’s video!

One Week Ahead

Plan your tablescape.

Take stock of your china and flatware to make sure you have enough. Same goes for glassware and crystal. Don’t be afraid to mix and match china patterns. There’s creativity in designing a pretty table.

 

Look for festive placemats, table runner or tablecloth cloth. A simple throw blanket can double as a cloth on your table. Locate candlesticks and votive candles. Don’t be afraid to experiment with those cute twinkle lights wrapped around pillar candles for some real tablescape sparkle!

 

 Create place cards (a great craft to do with kiddos) assemble your centerpiece and collect décor for platters. Pretty twigs and stems and whole fruit are good for decorating. I love to include food as part of my tablescape centerpiece. I place artichokes alongside pears and limes for a green experience.

 

 Add a few branches, pinecones, and a gourd or two and you have an organic look that is perfect for the occasion.

Saturday Before Thanksgiving

Shopping Day!

If you are farmer’s market shopper, get up early and visit the market you love. Purchase all the fresh produce items that you need.

Stop and smell the coffee beans. Remember this is not a race. Take time to enjoy your stroll through the market. Smile at the people you pass and greet your favorite farmers.

This is the season to be thankful for the growers! Slow down long enough to enjoy a festive cup ‘o Joe while you double check your list.

 

Finish up at the grocers to purchase anything you were not able to find at the market.

Sunday Before Thanksgiving

Get Your Apron Out!

Make the dishes on your meal plan that are easily made in advance, like chutneys and relishes.

Really, you can make almost everything in advance, freeze and thaw!

Lay out serving dishes and utensils.

Tuesday Before Thanksgiving

It’s Prep Day! 

Chop and prep all the ingredients you will need. If you need onions for three dishes, chop a bunch. Same goes for apples for pie and potatoes for mashed potatoes. Here’s a trick. Submerge potatoes in cold water ian the pot you will use to cook them in and place them in your fridge. They will be fine until you’re ready to boil.

Set your table! Prepare your centerpiece. Get those place cards placed! If you are hosting a crowd, a buffet table is the way to go.


Set up your bar. Did you remember to make extra ice?

If you have a frozen turkey, let’s get it on its way to thawing.

Wednesday Before Thanksgiving

Prepare your desserts. Bake your pies.

Prepare your casseroles and sides. You can bake most of these todays and simply warm them up tomorrow.

Make your gravy. It will be even better if you chill it over night and then warm it up tomorrow.

Prepare dough for breads or rolls. Letting dough rise in the fridge overnight is a good thing.

Cover everything with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until tomorrow. You can place the baking dishes on top of each other to save space. Use a heavy piece of cardboard or a thin baking sheet to separate the dishes.

Thanksgiving Morning

It’s Show Time!

Get that bird ready to roast. Organize your oven racks and preheat so that you’re ready to bake and warm. 


Before Your Guests Arrive

Just a Few Last-Minute Details!


Prepare mashed potatoes. Save the potato water to help thicken your gravy. 


Set out appys. 


Get the ice in the bucket. 


Pour yourself a glass of wine…. you’re doing great!

The Big Ta Dah!

Pull the turkey from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. While he rests, encourage friends and family to help you get the casseroles and side dishes to the table.

Pour gravy into boats, carve the bird, say a prayer of thanks…. And enjoy your family and friends!

 

Here’s a recipe to help you jump start your turkey day prep!

Servings

A Crowd

 

Ready In:

30-minute prep cuisine with roasting, simmering

Good For:

Holiday Entertaining
Fall/Winter

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 heads garlic, halved
2 medium onions peeled and cut into chunks
4 large carrots, trimmed and cut into chunks
6 celery stalks, cut into pieces
4 large turkey wings, about 3 pounds
2 (or more) tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons course black pepper
1 teaspoon ground sage

Tried it? Tag it!

I would love to see what you did with this recipe.  Share your creation by tagging #inthekitchenwithjorj and with Scrumptious Possibilities With Jorj, my free private home cooking group.

Preheat the oven to 450°. Drizzle the olive oil onto a baking sheet with lip. Place the vegetables and turkey wings into the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350° and roast until the turkey wings are golden brown, about another hour. During that time, check to make sure that the veggies are not sticking to the baking sheet. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom and add a little water to loosen everything. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool slightly. Pour everything into a large pot or Dutch oven. Place the pot on the stove. Add 1 cup dry white wine and simmer over medium heat until most of the liquid disappears, about 5 minutes. Cover the vegetables and turkey wings with water, about 1 quart. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium high heat and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the stock until it is reduced by half, about 1 hour. 

Pour the stock through a wire mesh colander and into a medium size bowl. Use the back of a spoon to push the veggie and turkey pieces into the bottom of the colander to push through all the juices. Place the bowl with the stock into the fridge to chill for up to one hour or for several days. (You can sift through the colander and gather enough turkey meat for a couple of yummy hot turkey sandwiches!)

To make gravy from stock, remove the bowl from the fridge. Use a large spoon to skim off and discard the thin layer of fat from the top. Transfer the stock into a saucepan and slowly bring to a boil over medium heat. Whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. As the stock slowly boils, stir in the cornstarch slurry. The gravy will begin to thicken. You can add as much thickener as you like to get your desired gravy consistency.

Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer slowly. Season the gravy with sage, salt, and pepper, stirring in just a bit at a time and tasting while you stir.

Holiday Gift Idea!

Need a little holiday gift to bring the grandkids, or a thoughtful way to entertain your guests’ children at your upcoming feast?

Purchase “Embarassing George” by Kimber Fox Morgan with cute illustration artwork by Jessica Kwan, available direct from the author herself or through my Amazon link!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Guacamole Day, Everyday! Avocado Recipes

Guacamole Day, Everyday! Avocado Recipes

Want to learn how to make the best guacamole ever?

September 16 is National Guacamole Day, and what better way to celebrate than by making some delicious avocado dishes? I will show you how to grill avocados and perfect your guacamole for avocado toast, as well as other tasty avocado recipes!

Join Jorj In The Kitchen!

Join Jorj for Meal Inspiration & Home Foodie Conversation!

The Art of The Fresh Market

Grab the book that contains my favorite travel adventures, with inspired original artwork by artist Susan Fazio.
New Year, Old Friends and the Birth of This Book