DURBAN chicken curry is a pungent dish comprised of chicken simmered in a spicy gravy. It does not contain any saccharine ingredients. This simple Durban chicken curry recipe is the perfect introduction to South African/Indian cuisine.
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 whole and ground 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 chopped tomatoes and 1tablespoon of tomato puree
2 potatoes (diced into half-inch cubes)
1 sprig of curry leaves
Preparation
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.
Add the onions, garlic and ginger and fry until softened. This should take about 3 minutes on a medium heat.
Turn the heat up to high and add the chicken pieces. Chicken on the bone such as thighs, drumsticks or wings work best with this recipe as the bones enrich the flavour and the chicken remains moist. Allow the meat to brown and coat the pieces in the onions and spices very well.
After about 5 minutes, add the tomato puree and chopped tomatoes and give the pot a good stir.
Throw in the diced potatoes, swede, chicken stock, and curry leaves. Check for seasoning as it may require a pinch of salt at this stage if necessary, then allow to simmer for about 30 minutes on a low to medium heat.
Care should be taken to ensure there is enough heat to cook to the potatoes through. You will notice they absorb much of the water and become fluffy when ready.
When ready, garnish with the fresh coriander leaves and serve on a bed of basmati rice and sambal on the side.
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