Seared Chicken Thighs with Cipollini Onions & Kumquats
12 Boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs
1 C. Fregola Sarda Pasta
6 oz. Cipollini Onions
2 oz. Kumquats
1 bunch Parsley
3 T. roasted Almonds
2 T. Balsamic Vinegar
1 ½ T. Golden Raisins
Wash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling on high. Peel the onions; cut into bite-sized wedges. Pick the parsley leaves off the stems; discard the stems and roughly chop half the leaves, keeping the remaining leaves whole. Peel and finely chop the shallot. Thinly slice the kumquats into rounds; remove and discard the seeds. Roughly chop the almonds. Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. While the pasta cooks, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes, or until lightly browned and softened. Add the vinegar (be careful, as the vinegar may splatter) and cook, stirring occasionally, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until thoroughly combined. Transfer to the pot of cooked pasta. Add the chopped parsley; drizzle with olive oil and stir to thoroughly combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in a warm place. Rinse and wipe out the pan. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Working in batches, add the seasoned chicken in a single, even layer. Cook, turning occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes per batch, or until browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a plate. Set aside in a warm place. Add the raisins and shallot to the pan of reserved fond; season with salt and pepper. (If the pan seems dry, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.) Cook on medium-high, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until softened and fragrant. Add the kumquats and ¼ cup of water. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the liquid is thickened and saucy. Turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the finished pasta and cooked chicken between 4 dishes. Top with the sauce. Garnish with the almonds and whole parsley leaves. Enjoy!