Pub Style Chicken Curry Food

IRRESISTIBLE CHICKEN CURRY

Steps:

• Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, and then add to a bowl. If you'd like to leave the chicken uncut or if you are using bone-in chicken pieces, the chicken can be left whole.
• Scatter 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper over the chicken. Toss well and set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
• Make ahead: The chicken can be left to marinate up to 24 hours, keep it covered and stored in the refrigerator.
• Add garlic, ginger, onion and 1/2 cup of water to a blender or food processor. Blend until mostly smooth. An immersion blender with cup attachment can also be used.
• Heat the oil or ghee in a wide skillet (with lid) over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated chicken into the pan so that it is in one layer and brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and place the skillet back onto the heat.
• Add the onion-ginger mixture and cook, stirring often, until all of the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon coriander and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric over the onion-ginger mixture, and cook for about 20 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste, turn the heat down to medium-low and then cook another minute.
• Add the yogurt, a tablespoon at a time, stirring it into the sauce before adding anymore.
• Return the chicken pieces and any accumulated juices to the pan along with the remaining cup of water and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down to a simmer, and then cover with a lid. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
• Remove the lid and stir in the Garam Masala and cream. Taste the sauce and add the final 1/4 teaspoon of salt if you feel that it is needed (we almost always add it).
• Turn the heat back up to medium-high and cook, stirring gently every now and them, until the sauce has reduced a bit and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with fresh cilantro scattered on top.

TRADITIONAL CHICKEN CURRY

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to coat. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cumin seed and cook 1 minute, until lightly toasted. Mix in onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until onion is tender. Add tomatoes, and season with chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, and paprika. Continue to cook and stir 2 minutes.
• Mix yogurt into the saucepan until well blended. Add chicken pieces, and potatoes. Mix in water and tomato juice. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer about 40 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

HOME-STYLE CHICKEN CURRY

Steps:

• Roughly chop 1 large onion, transfer to a small food processor, and add 3 tbsp of water - process to a slack paste. You could use a stick blender for this or coarsely grate the onion into a bowl - there's no need to add any water if you are grating the onion. Tip into a small bowl and leave on one side.
• Put 6 roughly chopped garlic cloves and 50g roughly chopped ginger into the same food processor and add 4 tbsp water - process until smooth and spoon into another small bowl. Alternatively, crush the garlic to a paste with a knife or garlic press and finely grate the ginger.
• Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or sturdy pan set over a medium heat.
• Combine 2 tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp fennel seeds with a 5cm cinnamon stick and 1 tsp chilli flakes and add to the pan in one go. Swirl everything around for about 30 secs until the spices release a fragrant aroma.
• Add the onion paste - it will splutter in the beginning. Fry until the water evaporates and the onions turn a lovely dark golden - this should take about 7-8 mins.
• Add the garlic and ginger paste and cook for another 2 mins - stirring all the time.
• Stir in 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp caster sugar and continue cooking for 20 secs before tipping in a 400g can chopped tomatoes.
• Continue cooking on a medium heat for about 10 mins without a lid until the tomatoes reduce and darken.
• Cut 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs into 3cm chunks and add to the pan once the tomatoes have thickened to a paste.
• Cook for 5 mins to coat the chicken in the masala and seal in the juices, and then pour over 250ml hot chicken stock.
• Simmer for 8-10 mins without a lid until the chicken is tender and the masala lightly thickened - you might need to add an extra ladleful of stock or water if the curry needs it.
• Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped coriander and serve with Indian flatbreads or fluffy basmati rice and a pot of yogurt on the side.