DURBAN CHICKEN CURRY

This simple Durban chicken curry recipe is the perfect introduction to South African Indian cuisine.

Try this simple recipe I have created inspired by these memories.  It may look like a long list of ingredients, however, many of these are common spices, or items that you can easily find at any grocery store.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons ghee (or butter)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of curry powder (or garam masala)
• 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of whole cumin
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 to 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 inch of fresh ginger (grated)
• 4 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
• 8 pieces of chicken (1 kg, preferably thighs and drumsticks or wings)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon of tomato puree
• 2 potatoes (diced into half-inch cubes)
• Optional: 1 small rutabaga (swede)
• 1 cup of chicken stock
• 1 sprig of curry leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a heavy based pan, melt the butter in the vegetable oil, then add the spices to temper and become fragrant. Be careful not to sear or burn the spices, but allow the gentle heat to do its work for about a minute.
2. Add the onions, garlic and ginger and fry until softened. This should take about 3 minutes on a medium heat.
3. Turn the heat up to high and add the chicken pieces. Chicken on the bone such a thighs, drumsticks or wings work best with this recipe as the bones enrich the flavor and the chicken remains moist. Allow the meat to brown and coat the pieces in the onions and spices very well.
4. After about 5 minutes, add the tomato puree and chopped tomatoes and give the pot a good stir.
5. Throw in the diced potatoes, swede, chicken stock, and curry leaves. Check for seasoning as it may require a pinch or two of salt at this stage if necessary, then allow to simmer for about 30 minutes on a low to medium heat.

Recipe Source : Durban Chicken Curry @ thespruceeats