Nestled in a smoky, intoxicating sauce, these glamorous thighs strike a pose, finding beauty in a bowl. Raise your spirits (and a spoon) to a delightful one-pot-wonder, perfect for a crisp fall evening.

It’s all about the sauce that pulls flavors from the Mediterranean and Mother India, a heady mix of tomatoes, stone ground mustard, cumin and wine, with just a hint of s hot Madras curry. 

On the side, brown basmati rice is simply tossed with pine nuts, raisins and sweet baby peas. Or nix the rice and break bread. Who could go wrong with crusty cuts of baguette to mop up the delicious sauce?

One Pot Wondrous Perfect Thighs

Serves 4 

• 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon hot madras curry powder
• 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• Fresh lime juice, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, to garnish

Season thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, searing thighs until browned on both sides. Remove from pan and reserve.

In the same skillet, sauté the onion, celery and peppers until softened; add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, seasoning vegetables with salt and pepper. Stir in the curry powder, mustard, oregano, parsley and cilantro. Pour in wine and tomato sauce, and add bouillon. Return reserved thighs to the pan.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for10 minutes. Cover and simmer an additional 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro. 

Diva Confession: These perfect thighs are perfect for do-ahead entertaining. What could be easier than pulling an imaginative main-course from the fridge, setting it to a slow simmer,  tossing a salad and sipping wine? To enliven flavors, sprinkle with additional fresh herbs and lime juice. 

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