Moroccan Chicken

In a small pot, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt and 1 cup of water. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook 25 to 30 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Cover and set aside in a warm place.

While the rice cooks, wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel the carrots; halve lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Peel and mince the garlic. Cut off and discard the root ends of the scallions; thinly slice on an angle, separating the white bottoms and green tops. Roughly chop the prunes. Place the tomatoes in a bowl; gently break apart with your hands.

While the rice continues to cook, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the carrots and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned and slightly softened. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in a warm place. Wipe out the pan.

While the rice continues to cook, pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken, skin sides down, and cook 4 to 6 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown. Flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a plate and set aside in a warm place.

To the pan of reserved fond, add the garlic, white bottoms of the scallions, prunes and as much of the spice blend as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be; season with salt and pepper. (If the pan seems dry, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.) Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Add the tomatoes, honey, half the vinegar and ¼ cup of water; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly and scraping up any fond, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until well combined. Add the browned chicken, skin sides up, and cook, stirring the sauce occasionally, 7 to 8 minutes, or until slightly thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Turn off the heat; season with salt and pepper to taste.

To the pot of cooked rice, add the cooked carrots and remaining vinegar. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the finished rice and finished chicken and sauce between 2 dishes. Garnish with the green tops of the scallions. Enjoy!