Date Braised Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1½ tsps ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2-3 tbsp Sizzle
• ½ of a kabocha squash in 1-inch cubes (skin on, live a little!!!)
• 1 lb carrots (or just one bunch to make it easier!), peeled and cut into 1/4 thick pieces. Don't forget to save the green carrot leaves for an optional pesto topper*)
• 1 cup dates
• Diced zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (powdered is okay too if you don't have fresh)
• 1 cinnamon stick (2-3 inches long)
• 3 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp Drizzle
• 1 large leek, trimmed, halved lengthwise, and sliced into half-moons (can use a couple of shallots or an onion here too if you don't have leeks!)
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup water (optional)