1/4 tsp ground cumin (optional, Some curry powder doesn't have as much cumin in it as I like, some does) (optional) .
1 roasting chicken or stew hen .
1/4 c chicken stock .
1 garlic clove, crushed .
1/4 c raisins (can substitute 1/4 c coarsely sliced dried apricots for a sharper, tangier flavor)
Directions
Step #1 Place the chicken in a dutch oven or a roaster with a tight-fitting lid.
Step #2 Surround the chicken with fruit.
Step #3 Sprinkle top the curry, cumin, & celery seed over the chicken.
Step #4 Mix the yogurt with the chicken stock.
Step #5 Pour half over the chicken & half over the fruit.
Step #6 Cover up & roast at 300F for 2-3 hrs or at 250 for 3 hrs.
Step #7 You can remove the lid for the last half hr or so to get better browning.
Step #8 The meat will be very tender -- falling off the bones (a stew hen may have more integrity depending on how tough it started before you tenderized it with the moist heat).
Step #9 Serve with plain rice or pilaf (try Recipe #213303 ).
Step #10 I find that dark green & dark yellow veggies go particulary well with curry so some grilled yellow squash, baked sweetpotatoes, a spinach salad, or steamed broccoli would all be tasty sides.
Step #11 Note -- Curry powder varies wildly in flavor, intensity, & heat from brand to brand.
Step #12 Unless you're sure how much you like start with less & adjust after tasting.
Step #13 But do the tasting near the end of the cooking process because the flavor develops as it cooks.
Step #14 Note -- Cortlands, Macoun, & other apples from the Macintosh family are good.
Step #15 Macs themselves will cook to applesauce though so the texture of the finished dish will be lacking.
Step #16 Granny Smith taste great, but stay firmer than I like.
Step #17 Fujis may be the best of the common, grocery store apples for this dish.
Step #18 Red Delicious are useless -- all sugar & crunch with no flavor.
Step #19 Best of all, if its fall & you have local apple orchards go ask the grower for his/her best, in-season cooking apple because some varieties are very local & have very short seasons.