This sweet-tangy curried chicken salad, tossed with mango and crunchy toasted almonds, was invented to honor the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and served at her coronation luncheon. While chef Tom Aikens follows the original recipe closely, he brightens the dressing with minced hot chiles and chunks of sweet mango. More Main Course Salad Recipes
How to Make It
In a small skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallot and chile and cook over moderately low heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and cook over high heat until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and boil until reduced to 3 tablespoons. Add the stock and apricot jam and boil over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 4 minutes. Transfer the curry dressing to a medium bowl and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, about 10 minutes.
Whisk the mayonnaise and crème fraîche into the curry dressing. Fold in the mango, scallions, lemon juice and cilantro. Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken leg meat with half of the dressing and refrigerate for 1 hour.
In a small skillet, toast the almonds over moderate heat, stirring, until golden brown, 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
In a large bowl, mix the oil with the lime juice, mustard and sugar and season with salt and pepper. Add the shredded lettuce and toss well. Transfer to a platter. Arrange the leg meat over the lettuce and top with the sliced breast meat. Spoon the remaining curry dressing over the salad. Garnish with the toasted almond slices and the cilantro leaves and serve right away.