Lunch: Malaysian-Style Chicken Curry

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Chicken Breast

Health benefits of Malaysian-Style Chicken Curry

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Ingredients

6 shallots, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
a 1-inch piece fresh gingerroot, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons water
3 whole boneless chicken breasts with skin, halved (about 2 1/2 pounds)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons curry powder
a 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk (1 2/3 cups)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
a 3-inch fresh jalapeño chili, slit in 4 places
1 cinnamon stick
1 whole clove
1 star anise
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh coriander
Accompaniment: cooked rice

Instructions

In a food processor chop fine shallots, garlic, and gingerroot. Add water and purée to a paste.
Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt. In a large heavy casserole heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and brown chicken in 2 batches, transferring with tongs as browned to a large plate. Reduce heat to moderately low. Add shallot paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add curry powder and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add chicken with any juices accumulated on plate and remaining ingredients except coriander and simmer, covered and turning chicken once, until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Transfer chicken to plate with tongs and boil sauce gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick, clove, and star anise and season sauce with salt. Add chicken and coriander and serve over rice.

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