Savory and Spiced Chicken Curry: A Traditional Delight

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 kg chicken pieces (breast or thigh), cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice (to serve)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the curry powder, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and chili powder to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
  5. Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  6. Add the coconut milk, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
  8. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.
  9. Serve the chicken curry over cooked basmati rice, garnished with the chopped fresh cilantro.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetable Curry: Replace the chicken with a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes.
  • Seafood Curry: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood.
  • Vegan Curry: Omit the chicken and replace it with plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
  • Spicy Curry: Increase the amount of chili powder or add chopped fresh chili peppers to make the curry hotter.
  • Creamy Curry: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or yogurt at the end to make the curry richer and creamier.
  • Thai Curry: Use Thai curry paste instead of curry powder for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount according to taste.
  • Coconut Curry: Add additional coconut milk or cream for a more pronounced coconut flavor.
  • Healthy Curry: Use skinless chicken breast and reduce the amount of oil to make a lighter version of the dish.
  • Nutty Curry: Add a handful of crushed peanuts or cashews for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Herb-infused Curry: Experiment with adding herbs like lemongrass, basil, or cilantro to enhance the aromatic elements of the dish.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Curry recipe is a delectable blend of aromatic spices and tender chicken simmered in a creamy coconut milk and tomato sauce. Despite being packed with flavor, it's surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. In this recipe, you'll learn to build layers of flavor by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger before adding curry powder and other spices. The chicken is then cooked in the aromatic base, absorbing all the rich and spicy flavors. Served over hot basmati rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, this Chicken Curry is a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use boneless chicken for this recipe. Cut the boneless chicken into bite-size pieces and follow the recipe as instructed.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
    Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats such as beef or lamb. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  3. Can I use curry paste instead of curry powder?
    Yes, you can use curry paste instead of curry powder. Use about 2 tablespoons of curry paste and adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
  4. Can I make this recipe spicy?
    If you prefer a spicier chicken curry, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add additional spices such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust the spiciness to suit your taste.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make this chicken curry ahead of time. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the chicken curry to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, ginger, and cilantro.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife will make it easier to chop the ingredients.
  • Large pan - A large pan with a lid is needed for cooking the chicken curry.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the spices.
  • Can opener - A can opener is required to open the cans of coconut milk and diced tomatoes.
  • Serving plates or bowls - Plates or bowls are necessary for serving the chicken curry.
  • Cooked basmati rice - Cooked basmati rice is served alongside the chicken curry.
  • Fresh cilantro - Fresh cilantro is used as a garnish for the chicken curry.

Origin stories

Curry, an umbrella term used in Western culture to describe a variety of spiced dishes, is a culinary concept that was born in India. However, the curry dish as we know it today, especially chicken curry, has been influenced by many other cuisines around the world. In fact, the chicken curry recipe we've presented here is more akin to those found in British or Caribbean cuisine, which feature a creamier, milder curry that incorporates coconut milk. As a testament to curry's global appeal, each country, each region and even each household may have its own interpretation of chicken curry, with diverse ingredients and cooking methods, all adding unique twists to the centuries-old Indian original. So, every bowl of chicken curry is not just a meal, but a testament to a global culinary journey.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.