Indian Chicken Curry
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in half
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Water, to cover
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- steamed brown basmati rice
Preparation
Combine the curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, and ground ginger in a small bowl then set this spice mixture aside.
Heat a heavy large pot over medium-high and add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onions, garlic, and fresh ginger and cook until the onions are translucent and light brown, about 5 minutes. Push the onion mixture to one side of the pot.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the uncovered side of the pot. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oil and stir until the spices are fragrant and frothing, about 30 seconds. Be careful not burn the spices. Stir the onion mixture into the spice mixture.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt then stir the chicken into the onion mixture. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Pour just enough water over the mixture to cover. Add the bay leaf. Cover and simmer gently over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes longer.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice. Garnish with the cilantro and serve with the rice.
