Chicken Country Captain

To prepare chicken, combine first 9 ingredients in a stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1 hour.

Remove from heat.

Remove chicken from broth; place chicken in a bowl, and chill 15 minutes.

Remove skin from chicken; remove chicken from bones, discarding skin and bones. Shred chicken with two forks; cover and chill. Strain broth through a sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. Cover and chill broth overnight. Skim solidified fat from surface; discard. Reserve 4 1/2 cups broth. Refrigerate remaining broth for another use.

To prepare curry powder, cook coriander and cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat 3 minutes or until toasted.

Place seeds, red pepper, and next 6 ingredients (red pepper through bay leaf) in a spice or coffee grinder; process until finely ground.

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; saut 10 minutes.

Combine curry powder and tomatoes in a blender or food processor; process until smooth.

Add tomato mixture and 1 1/2 cups reserved broth to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken and currants; cook until thoroughly heated.

Bring 3 cups reserved broth and salt to a boil in a saucepan.

Add rice. Cover; reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat; fluff with a fork.

Serve chicken mixture over rice; sprinkle with almonds.

NOTE: Store leftover broth in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.