Spice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
1/4 star anise pod
1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black peppercorns
1 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt
8 meaty chicken thighs
1/4 cup canola oil
1 large Spanish onion, thinly sliced
1 large leek, white and tender green parts only, thinly sliced
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
3 thyme sprigs
3 oregano sprigs
1 cup dry red wine
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Chopped parsley and chives, for garnish

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE:

1.Preheat the oven to 350°. In a small skillet, toast the coriander, star anise, cracked peppercorns and crushed red pepper over moderate heat, shaking the pan, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder and let cool; pulse until coarsely ground. Add the salt. Rub the spices all over the chicken.

2.In a large skillet, heat the oil. Add the chicken and cook over high heat, turning once, until deep golden, 10 minutes. Arrange the chicken in a roasting pan, skin side up. Pour off most of the oil from the skillet and add the onion and leek. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, thyme, and oregano and cook until the tomatoes just begin to break down 3 minutes. Add the red wine and cook until reduced to 1/4 cup, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan, 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of water and pour the mixture into the roasting pan.

3.Cover the pan with foil and braise the chicken in the oven for about 1 hour, until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Strain the sauce into a saucepan. Boil until the sauce is reduced to 1 cup, 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and honey; keep warm.

4.Preheat the broiler. Return the chicken to the roasting pan, skin side up, and broil 8 inches from the heat for 2 minutes, until the skin is crisp. Sprinkle with the parsley and chives. Serve the chicken with the sauce.

SUGGESTED PAIRING:
Fruit-forward Côtes-du-Rhône.