BRAZILIAN BRAISED CHICKEN AND BANANAS

4 lbs. chicken thighs and legs (attached)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Salt, milled pepper
3 Tbs. oil
1 medium onion, chopped
6 plum tomatoes, seeded, chopped
Pinch of sugar
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 Tbs. butter
6 firm-ripe bananas, halved lengthwise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with lemon juice and sprinkle well with salt and pepper.

In a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven with a lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Brown chicken on all sides until golden brown. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

Add the onion, tomatoes and sugar to pan and cook, stirring, until soft.

Return chicken pieces to pan, add the wine and broth, and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and cover pan. Simmer until chicken is tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.

In another large skillet, heat butter and saute banana halves on both sides until golden brown.

Arrange bananas on top of the chicken in the skillet and sprinkle them with the Parmesan. Turn heat on low, cover and cook just until cheese melts. Use a large spatula to transfer the chicken with banana on top to plates.

Yield: 6 servings