Adzuki Bean & Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of adzuki beans
• 1-1/2 chicken breasts cut up into bite sized pieces
• 2-3 carrots cut up
• 1 large onion cut up
• 2 stalks of celery cut up
• 16 oz. of chicken broth
• 1 cup of water
• 3 cloves of garlic diced small
• Salt, marjoram, bay leaf, sage, or poultry seasoning and any other herbs that you like.
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Wash and then soak one cup of adzuki beans in two cups water overnight or for a few hours.
2. Cook beans, boil and then simmer for an hour or so until tender. Add water as necessary.
3. Brown chicken pieces in 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium heat until cooked.
4. Let the meat get brown but do not burn. You will get a caramelized effect if done right.
5. Take chicken out of skillet and add another Tbs. of olive oil.
6. Then add onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Add a little chicken broth or wine if pan gets dry.
7. Cook carrots and celery in microwave on high for a minute or two until semi tender.
8. Place everything in a good sized soup pan: chicken, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, broth and or wine, adzuki beans with any liquid remaining in pan.
9. Simmer the whole lot for 20 minutes or so after adding the herbs and spices.