If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional ham dinner this Easter holiday, why not give a different dish a try. This recipe is not only delicious and healthy, it’s also chock full of Easter symbols that will delight your guests.
Rosemary Chicken Served With Purple Potatoes and Asparagus
Easter is the holiest day of the Christian calendar. The symbols we associate with the holiday - bunnies and eggs - have nothing to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus. This recipe incorporates subtle symbolism through its ingredients.The rosemary used in the chicken dish are needle-like leaves. They represent the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head prior to his crucifixion. The potatoes are purple, a color associated with royalty. The asparagus spears represent the Roman soldier’s spear that was used to pierced Christ’s side.
Now that you know the symbolic nature of this Easter meal, let’s get cooking.
Rosemary Chicken
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half to make 6 smaller pieces
- 2 -3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (pull the needles off the stem)
- 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. butter
- ¾ cup white wine
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the chicken, flour, cheese, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl until coated. In a large saute pan on medium heat, add the oil and butter. After the butter is melted, add the chicken and saute both sides until golden brown. While cooking the chicken, add as much or as little rosemary and parsley to the pan as you wish. More is definitely better. Work the herbs in the pan to release their flavor. Pour the white wine and water on the chicken and simmer until chicken is cooked through the center.
(Optional: if you want to thicken the wine and water, add a tbsp. of flour.)
Purple Potatoes
- 1 ½ lbs. purple potatoes (available at many grocery stores)
- 2 tsp. prepared horseradish
- 2 tsp. minced scallions
- 2 tbsp. butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cut the potatoes in half and boil or steam them until tender. Add the butter, scallions, horseradish, salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Asparagus
1 lb. fresh asparagus stalks
(Optional: butter, allspice, seasoned salt and pepper)
Directions:
In a large skillet, place stalks in water. Over medium heat, bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until tender. Serve plain or season asparagus with butter, allspice, seasoned salt or pepper.
An Easter Experience
Serve the Easter dinner on a table beautifully decorated for the holiday. Easter flowers, pastel colors and a carefully chosen white wine (Blue Nun would be in keeping with the theme!) make this holiday meal complete.
A Meal For All Seasons
If you enjoy this recipe, make it during any time of year. Of course, asparagus and purple potatoes might not be available at your local grocery store during off seasons. You could substitute other vegetables for side dishes. You could also experiment with the chicken recipe by adding mushrooms or capers. Whatever you do, enjoy this healthy chicken recipe.
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