Curried Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Curried Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Curried Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender poached chicken, colorful peppers, and al dente bow tie pasta, all coated in a creamy curry mayonnaise dressing. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional chicken salad, incorporating bold curry flavors and vibrant peppers for a unique and delicious dish. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken
6 peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1 parsley stalk
1 sprig of fresh thyme
1 onion
1 carrot
1 celery stalk
0.5 green pepper, finely shredded
0.5 red pepper, finely shredded
0.5 yellow pepper, finely shredded
8 oz (227 g) bow tie pasta, cooked
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.5 small onion, finely diced
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp curry powder
0.5 cup white wine
2 tbsp water
1-0.5 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp warm water
3 tbsp curry flavoring
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp salt

How to prepare

To poach the chicken, place it in a large pot with enough cold water to barely cover.
Add peppercorns, bay leaf, parsley, thyme, onion, carrot, and celery cut into quarters.
Bring the pot to a bare boil with the lid on; then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 50 minutes.
Allow the chicken to cool in the poaching liquid, then drain, remove the skin, and shred the meat.
To make the curry flavoring, soften diced onion in hot oil, then add curry powder and cook over medium-high heat for a further 3 minutes.
Add wine and water to the mixture.
Boil rapidly until the liquid is reduced to about 3 tbsp.
Strain the mixture and let it cool.
Prepare the curry mayonnaise by combining all the ingredients until smooth.
Place the peppers in a large bowl (reserving a little for garnish), along with the chicken, pasta, salt, pepper, and curry mayonnaise.
Gently mix the ingredients until they are well coated.
If the mayonnaise mixture is too thick, gradually add warm water until a smooth consistency is attained.
Place a portion of the salad on a bed of spinach and sprinkle the reserved peppers on top.
Assemble the dish just before serving, as the mayonnaise quickly loses its fresh look.

Variations

Add diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Mix in some raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to poach the chicken gently to ensure it stays tender and juicy.

- Make sure to cool the curry flavoring mixture before adding it to the mayonnaise to prevent the mayonnaise from splitting.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences - you can always add more for a stronger curry flavor.

- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Curried Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad on a bed of fresh spinach for added color and nutrition.

- Garnish with additional chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of freshness.

- Pair with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Poaching the chicken ensures it stays moist and tender.

- Cooking the curry flavoring mixture allows the spices to bloom and develop their flavors.

- Mixing the salad gently ensures all the ingredients are evenly coated in the curry mayonnaise dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer if bow tie pasta is not available.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.

- Feel free to use any color of bell peppers you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the curry flavoring mixture and curry mayonnaise dressing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Cook the pasta and poach the chicken in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Curried Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with a sprinkle of curry powder or chopped fresh herbs for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer for a refreshing accompaniment.

- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Curried Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra dressing if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Total calories per serving: approximately 400-500 calories

Carbohydrates

- Bow tie pasta: 8 oz (227 g) = 56g carbohydrates

- Mayonnaise: 1-1.5 cup = 6-9g carbohydrates

- Peppers: 0.5 green, 0.5 red, 0.5 yellow = 15g carbohydrates

- Total carbohydrates per serving: approximately 20-25g

Fats

- Chicken: 3 lb (1.36 kg) = 60g fat

- Mayonnaise: 1-1.5 cup = 60-90g fat

- Vegetable oil: 2 tsp = 10g fat

- Total fats per serving: approximately 20-25g

Proteins

- Chicken: 3 lb (1.36 kg) = 180g protein

- Total proteins per serving: approximately 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

- Chicken is a good source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium.

- Curry powder may contain various spices such as turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs (mayonnaise) and gluten (pasta). Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

This Curried Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Curried Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With its tender poached chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy curry mayonnaise dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and my dear friend Martha had invited me over for a picnic in her backyard. As soon as I arrived, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting through the air. Martha was busy in the kitchen, humming to herself as she prepared a delicious spread of dishes.

I wandered over to see what she was cooking and was pleasantly surprised to see her working on a large bowl of curried chicken and bow tie pasta salad. The vibrant colors of the dish were mesmerizing, with the bright yellow curry sauce coating the tender chunks of chicken and the colorful vegetables mixed in with the bow tie pasta.

Martha noticed my interest and smiled warmly at me. "Would you like to learn how to make this dish, dear?" she asked. I eagerly nodded, knowing that this recipe would be a perfect addition to my collection of family favorites.

As she guided me through the process, Martha shared with me the story behind this recipe. She explained that she had first learned how to make it from her own grandmother, who had picked it up during her travels to India many years ago. The flavors of the curry blended with the creamy dressing and the tender chicken had become a family favorite ever since.

I watched intently as Martha deftly seasoned the chicken with a blend of aromatic spices - turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger. The fragrant mixture filled the kitchen with a warm and inviting scent that made my mouth water in anticipation.

While the chicken was marinating, Martha cooked the bow tie pasta until it was al dente, then rinsed it under cold water to stop the cooking process. She tossed it with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, and a hint of curry powder.

Once the chicken was cooked through and tender, Martha diced it into bite-sized pieces and added it to the pasta along with a medley of colorful vegetables - red bell pepper, green peas, and crunchy celery. She gently mixed everything together, ensuring that each bite would be bursting with flavor and texture.

As we sat down to enjoy our picnic in the backyard, I took my first bite of the curried chicken and bow tie pasta salad. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the creamy dressing complementing the spicy curry and the tender chicken perfectly. It was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that left me craving for more.

I thanked Martha profusely for sharing this recipe with me and promised to make it for my own family and friends. Over the years, I have added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to make it my own.

Every time I make this curried chicken and bow tie pasta salad, I am transported back to that sunny day in Martha's backyard, surrounded by good company and delicious food. It is a dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face and warm memories to my heart.

And as I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will continue the tradition of sharing good food and creating cherished memories with their loved ones. After all, food is not just nourishment for the body - it is nourishment for the soul.