Chicken curry is one of the most popular dishes in the world. It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s made with chicken, vegetables, and a blend of spices. It can be customized to suit your preferences, and it’s easy to make at home. In this article, we’ll discuss the ingredients you’ll need and the steps you’ll need to follow to make a delicious chicken curry.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season it with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the aromatics
In the same pan or pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s softened. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and coconut milk
Add the can of diced tomatoes to the pan and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly. Add the can of coconut milk and stir everything together.
Step 4: Add the chicken and simmer
Add the chicken back to the pan and stir it into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Once the chicken curry is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly. Serve the curry over rice or with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Customization options:
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the curry to make it more nutritious and filling.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. If you like it spicy, you can increase the amount or add a chopped chili pepper to the mix.
- Use different meats: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use beef, lamb, or pork instead. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it vegan: If you want to make a vegan version of this curry, you can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion:
Chicken curry is a versatile and delicious dish that’s easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and aromatic meal that will satisfy your taste buds.