Indian Spiced Chicken

This recipe may horrify purists, it’s more of a gentle nod to the Indian Raj than something worthy of tiffin, but it couldn’t be better for a midweek winter dinner. The flavours in this are fragrant, and even better when eaten for lunch the next day if leftovers from the night before remain.

My favourite thing about this dish is the simple curry paste, simply mix the ingredients together. It’s that easy. The leftover curry paste can be frozen. Cooking the rice in the broth also adds another flavoursome element, making a hearty statement on a winter’s night.

Tasty Tuesday shoots are generously supported by The Establishment Studios.

Method

For the curry paste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Excess can be frozen.

For the chicken

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs until golden and then place in a baking dish.

In the remaining oil fry the mustard seeds for a few moments before adding the onion. Cook for 3 minutes until onions start to colour. Stir in the curry paste and fry for a few minutes to release aromatics before stirring in turmeric, ground coriander, cumin and ginger and cook for 2 minutes.

Add 100ml of stock to the pan and allow it to bubble, scraping the base. Add coconut cream and heat before pouring over the chicken to coat. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 15 minutes before uncovering and baking for another 10 minutes. Slice the cooked chicken and return to dish, stirring to coat in the sauce.

Bring the remaining stock to the boil before adding rice and bringing back to the boil, reduce heat and cook, covered, for 5 minutes.

Top the rice with the chicken and a few curry leaves before covering and placing in the oven for 5 minutes.

Serve with coriander and steamed greens.