Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil 

1 medium white onion, diced (1 cup) 

2 tablespoons minced garlic 

2 pounds (4 cups) plum tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped 

2 small bay leaves, preferably Mexican 

1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme 

1/2 cup green olives, chopped 

1/2 cup raisins 

1/4 cup capers, drained and rinsed 

2 pounds finely chopped chicken breast, or ground chicken breast 

Coarse salt 

1/4 cup slivered almonds 

1/4 cup cilantro leaves 

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley 

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 

Preparation

In a medium saucepan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, and saute until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 15 minutes. Add olives, raisins, and capers; cook 10 minutes. Set aside.

In a large saute pan, heat remaining 1/4 cup oil until just beginning to smoke over high heat. Add chicken, and cook until dry, stirring constantly. Season with salt. Add reserved tomato mixture, bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes. Add almonds, cilantro, parsley, and mint. Remove from heat, and let cool. This may be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature, and remove bay leaf before stuffing chiles.