Main Dishes With Foreign Flavors

Nothing demonstrates the magic of microwaving more effectively than a main dish that can be prepared in 30 or 40 minutes. Brazilian chicken is a fine example.

--When microwaving bacon, always cover with paper toweling. It absorbs spatters, permits some moisture to escape and results in crisper bacon.

--When sauteing garlic, onion and peppers by microwave, cover with wax paper to keep fat from spattering the inside of the oven.

--Never sprinkle salt directly on meat, fish, fowl or vegetables that are to be microwaved because the salt may cake and splotch. Instead, mix it with a little liquid, then pour over the food.

--When arranging chicken or other irregular pieces of food in a microwave container, place the meatiest parts toward the outside and the smaller, bonier ones in the center, where they’re less apt to overcook.

BRAZILIAN CHICKEN

WITH PEANUT SAUCE

1 large clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 (3- to 3 1/2-pound) chicken, disjointed, skinned, and breasts halved crosswise

2 tablespoons olive oil

Dash ground turmeric

1 small yellow onion, minced

1/2 cup green pepper, minced

1 cup chicken broth, about

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Hot cooked rice

Combine garlic, ginger and coriander in small bowl and rub over chicken.

Mix oil, turmeric, onion and green pepper in 2-quart casserole at least 10 inches across. Cover with wax paper and microwave on HIGH (100% power) 3 1/2 to 4 minutes until glassy.

Arrange chicken on top of sauce with meatiest parts toward outside and wings in center. Add any bits of seasoning that may have dropped off chicken.

Combine 1 cup chicken broth and salt. Pour into casserole, cover with lid and microwave on HIGH 22 to 25 minutes, turning chicken over and rearranging at half time, until just tender. Lift chicken with slotted spoon to heated deep platter, cover with foil and let stand.

Skim fat from casserole liquid, whisk in peanut butter, pepper and lemon juice. Cover with lid or wax paper and microwave on HIGH 2 minutes, stirring at half time, until bubbly. If sauce seems thick, thin with chicken broth. Pour sauce over chicken and serve with rice. Makes 4 servings.