FROM IVAN SYGODA, FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF PENTACLE
“This homemade roast veggie starter base can dance off subsequently in several different directions. The key is to use a cast-iron skillet— versatility itself, happy under the broiler, in the oven (325° or thereabouts), or on top. Keep your oven mitts handy.”
SERVES:
2-4
PREP TIME:
30 MIN
TOTAL TIME:
1 HR
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. boneless/skinless chicken thighs
olive oil
breading - salt, pepper, flour, and either poppy seeds, coconut flakes, or panko bread crumbs
Veggie Base
Red bell peppers or orange and/or yellow. I don’t like green, but perhaps you do. Scoop out seeds. Cut in half crosswise, then julienne or cut into wedges.
Red onion(s). Vidalia or yellow would be fine, but I like the look of the red. Trim and peel. Cut in half crosswise, then julienne or cut and separate into wedges.
Mushrooms. Whatever kind you prefer, trimmed, sliced or halved, or quartered. Note: These cut-up ingredients might be harmoniously sized; juliennes/slices versus wedges/chunks.
Scallions, cut into 1” pieces.
Optional: zucchini or squash, sliced into rounds.)
Veggie Base
Preheat broiler. Toss peppers and onions in some olive oil, grind in salt and pepper. I like to add some thyme, fresh or dried. Raid your spice rack for whatever else sounds good. Place under broiler flame. When peppers and onions have started to caramelize, add mushrooms, scallion, and whatever else. Monitor progress. I like a bit of a char. You may like more or less. Remove skillet from broiler, empty veggies into a bowl, and, depending on which phrase follows, either turn broiler off or set temp to 325° (My gas broiler also fuels the oven).
Variation 3
Set the oven to 325°. Place emptied skillet on medium-high heat. Add more olive or other oil. I like boneless/skinless chicken thighs because they are supposed to be more dietetic. Dredge the pieces in salt/pepper/flour. Sometimes I like to add some poppy seeds, coconut flakes, or panko bread crumbs. Sauté, turning until chicken is browned. Return skillet to oven until chicken is cooked through, then mix roasted veggies back in.