Trader Chicken

I was inspired by Trader Joe’s frozen biriani rice to make a real Indian feast by adding Trader Joe’s Tasty Bites, which are boil-in-the-bag dishes (Kashmir Spinach, Bombay Potatoes and Lentils). They sit on your shelf, can be ready in 5 minutes and each packet serves two as a side dish.

To cook, get out your largest fry pan with a lid (I use my wok), dice an onion and start frying it in a tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil. Then cut up one chicken breast half per person into bite-size pieces and add to the onion along with a dollop or two of curry paste.

Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to boil for the side dishes. Add them when the water is boiling and simmer 3 to 5 minutes. When the chicken pieces are just about cooked, add the biriani rice, cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cut open the boil-in-the-bag side dishes and serve with the chicken and rice and Trader Joe’s Mango Chutney. (No, I don’t work for Trader Joe’s.)

--PETA NOBLE

Rancho Palos Verdes